Vayigash 5771-2010

“When a Jew Goes Down to Egypt” Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. When Jacob learns that his beloved son is still…

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Bamidbar 5783-2023

“Surviving the Wilderness” (updated and revised from Bamidbar 5764-2004)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bamidbar, the Israelites enter the…

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Vayeishev 5763-2002

"Judah Emerges as the Leader of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, Vayeishev, presents the opening chapter of one of the great human sagas--the story of Joseph and…

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A Brief Synopsis of the Book of Esther

A Brief Synopsis ofThe Book of Esther Table of Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter…

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5769-2009

"Blood–the Essence of Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Tzav, the Torah declares rather definitively, (Leviticus 7:26), "V'chol dahm lo toch'loo b'chol mohsh'voh'taychem,"…

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Va’etchanan 5774-2014

“The Prediction of Return” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’etchanan, is always read after the Fast of the 9th of Av and after the conclusion of the period…

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The Fast Of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah)

Tzom GedaliahThe Fast of Gedaliah Table of Contents What When Do’s & Dont’s What The Fast of Gedaliah is…

Kinnot

KinnotMany devastating events took place on the 9th of Av. This is why the Jewish people consider it the saddest day on the…

The Source of Leadership

Great leaders can move mountains...or at least, masses of people. Ezra the Scribe was just such a leader, and it was his charisma and wisdom that inspired the Jews to leave their…

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Toledot 5763-2002

"The Deeds of the Fathers are Signposts for the Children" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we read, for the third time, the story of our…

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