The Oldest Book of Diplomacy
In the beginning of Parashat Vayishlach, Jacob is confronted by the news that his estranged brother, Esau, is approaching with an army of 400 men under his command. Prior to this meeting,…
My Chicken Doesn’t Moo
Poultry has an interesting status in the world of Jewish law. It is the paradigm of rabbinic jurisdiction, underscoring the fact that the sages of the Talmud have the authority to…
The Oldest Book of Diplomacy
In the beginning of Parashat Vayishlach, Jacob is informed that his estranged brother, Esau, is approaching with an army of 400 men under his command. Prior to this meeting, the last time…
The Origins of Formal Jewish Education in the United States
Today, thankfully, there are hundreds of Jewish elementary schools in the United States that teach both Judaic and general studies. The paradigm for this movement was the founding of…
The Origins of Formal Jewish Education in the United States
Today, thankfully, there are hundreds of Jewish elementary schools in the United States that teach both Judaic and general studies. The paradigm for this movement was the founding of…
Tisha b'Av,Devarim,Weekly Message
Devarim-Tisha B’Av 5767-2007
"Zion Shall be Redeemed through Justice" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On Monday night, July 23 and all day Tuesday, July 24, 2007, the fast of Tisha b'Av, the 9th of Av, will be observed.…
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…
Toledot 5783-2022
“The Deeds of the Fathers are Signposts for the Children” (updated and revised from Toledot 5763-2002) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we read, for…
Kee Tisah 5774-2014
“Moses Argues with G-d to Save the Jewish People from Destruction” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, features the tragic saga of the Golden Calf, and…
Tetzaveh 5778-2018
“The Brothers: Moses and Aaron” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Tetzaveh deals almost exclusively with the Kehuna, the office of the priesthood. It focuses on the priests’…