Just A Half Shekel

This Shabbat is Shabbat Shekalim, the Sabbath of Shekels. The Torah portion that speaks of Shekalim (Exodus 30:11-16) is read as the Maftir portion after the…

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Kee Tisah 5781-2021

“Reverence for Learning in Jewish Tradition” (updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5763-2003) In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, we read of the fateful sin of the Jewish people…

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Shemini 5782-2022

“With the L-rd as Our Partner” (Updated and revised from Shemini 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Shemini, opens with a description of the…

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Red Wine

Choose a fine, kosher red wine to enjoy this Shabbat. Like the mitzvah of Parah Adumah, the laws of Kashruth, discussed in this week’s parasha, are treated as a chok, a commandment for…

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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783-2023

“Celebrating the Month of Nissan” (updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5764-2004)   by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the final Shabbat of the Hebrew month of…

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Tzav 5784-2024

“Do Sacrifices Have Any Relevance for Us Today?” (updated and revised from Tzav 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, continues the Torah’s…

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