Acharei Mot 5782-2022

“The Jewish Method of Achieving Moral Perfection” (Updated and revised from Acharei Mot 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Acharei Mot, we read one…

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The Birth and Death of Moses

One of the 13 principles of faith according to Maimonides is believing that Moses was the greatest of all the Jewish prophets. He was so great, that God feared he would be worshipped…

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Bo 5782-2022

“Rituals Work, Rituals Work!” (updated and revised from Bo 5762-2002) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Bo, describes the final three plagues: locusts, darkness…

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The Gift that Keeps on Giving, Weekly

Beginning tomorrow afternoon at sundown, give yourself the gift of Shabbat and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to open the gift that has been there all along. To appreciate the…

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Vayeitzei 5782-2021

“From Ish Tam to Business Mogul: The Transformation of Jacob” (updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5762-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei,…

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Shop Now

Learn more about, and purchase some of the special simanim, the symbolic foods that are eaten on Rosh Hashana, so that you will be able to recite the special prayers and enjoy them as we…

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Two Different but Valid Approaches

Study the history and customs of both the Mitnagdic (non-Chassidic) and the Chassidic world in order to better appreciate two different Jewish approaches to the worship of God.

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Tisha b’Av

This Saturday night at sunset, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar begins. Known as the Fast of the 9th of Av (Tisha b’Av), the observances of the day are very similar to Yom Kippur,…

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In Celebration of Thirteen Years

Every person has special days in their life that they remember and mark from year to year, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Judaism also marks dates on an annual cycle such as…

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Lag Ba’Omer

The period of mourning* (for the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died of plague) that is associated with Sefirat Ha’Omer, is not observed on the 33rd day of the Omer, a day known as…

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