Vayeishev 5779-2018

“The Mystical Aspects of the Sale of Joseph” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we read of the sale of Joseph by his brothers, which resulted…

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Vayeitzei 5780-2019

“Who is the Real Enemy?” (Updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5760-1999)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we read of Jacob’s flight from…

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Rosh Hashana-Nitzavim 5769-2008

"Hewers of Wood and Drawers of Water" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Nitzavim is always read on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana, and with good reason. It contains a host of vital…

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B’shalach 5773-2013

"Why Israel Lost Faith at the Red Sea" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat B'shalach, we read of the rescue of the Israelites at the hand of G-d, from their…

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Waving Levites

Every society, large and small, has a hierarchy, and in the society defined by the Torah for the Children of Israel, there is a well-defined system that guides its spiritual life. The…

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Rabbi Tarfon

Studying the Talmud is a most exciting adventure that introduces a person to a host of intriguing historic personalities who had a profound impact on Jewish life. With so many different…

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Jews and 2020

On Rosh Hashana eve 2007, late night comic, David Letterman, quipped, “It’s Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year 5768, and I’m still writing 5767 on my checks.” As Jews worldwide woke up…

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Biblical Twins

Twins have long been a source of great fascination for many, as demonstrated by the vast number of studies and stories that have used twins as their subject. Twins, however, do not seem…

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Donkey

Why is a donkey called a donkey? For Jewish Treats, a more interesting question is why is a donkey called a chamor?  According to the Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 17:4), God…

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Biblical Twins

Today is “Twins Day.” Twins have long been a source of great fascination for many, as demonstrated by the vast number of studies and stories that have used twins as their subject. Twins,…

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