Dancing on Ice
Competing for artistic and athletic mastery on ice has been part of the fun of winter long before the Winter Olympics, and Jews have often taken part in the joy of ice skating. In…
Unsung Hero
War heroes are not always soldiers in arms. Often they are the men and women who work behind the scenes. Such was the role of Haym Salomon, an unsung hero of the American Revolution.…
Toledot 5781-2020
“The Ancient Origins and Practice of Anti-Semitism” (updated and revised from Toledot 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we learn that…
Kee Teitzei 5768-2008
"The 'Mitzvah' of Divorce" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have previously noted, parashat Kee Teitzei contains the largest number of mitzvot of any parasha in the Torah. According to…
Cinco de Mayo
Learn how the May 5, 1862 victory by Mexico over France in the Battle of Puebla ushered in a period of religious tolerance enabling Jews from Europe to immigrate to Mexico from Russia and…
Toledot 5770-2009
"The Jew Under the Microscope" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Toledot, the Torah tells us that, once again, there was a famine in the land of Canaan, aside…
Toledot 5761-2000
"The Ancient Origins and Practice of Anti-Semitism" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we read that Yitzchak follows in the footsteps of his…
Vayigash 5782-2021
“The Virtues of Assimilation” (updated and revised from Vayigash 5762-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, the dramatic story of Joseph and his…
Know Your Jewish History
Study Jewish history to appreciate the frightening events that engulfed Narbonne, France and the seemingly miraculous salvation that came to be when all appeared lost.
Vayeitzei 5761-2000
"The Role of Mother Rachel in Jewish History" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we encounter Jacob as he is fleeing from Canaan, the home of his…