The Second Passover

On the first anniversary of the Exodus from Egypt, the Children of Israel prepared to celebrate their first Passover as free people. God decreed that they should eat matzah and maror…

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Remember to Say “Thank You”

Tonight, after enjoying a delicious Shabbat meal, say “Thank You” by reciting Birkat Hamazon, Grace After Meals. Saying thank you and acknowledging our great appreciation to God for the…

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Feast of Weeks

Shavuot, which we begin celebrating next Tuesday night (June 11th), is the only holiday listed in the Torah without the date on which it is to be observed. Rather, the Torah states that…

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Naso 5784-2024

“A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders” (updated and revised from Naso 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Naso, is almost always read…

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For Peace

Always do what you can to promote a peaceful relationship between a husband and wife. Aaron, Moses’ brother, was known as someone who sought to make peace wherever possible. In the first…

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Ice Cream Soda Day

With the summer solstice arriving today, let us contemplate one of summertime’s favorite heat-quenching beverages. June 20th is Ice Cream Soda Day. The ice cream soda, sometimes called an…

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Toledot 5762-2001

"The Deception of Isaac" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Toledot, we encounter in Genesis 27 the well known story of Isaac's attempt to bless Esau.…

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Toledot 5782-2021

“The Deception of Isaac” (updated and revised from Toledot 5762-2001) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Toledot, we encounter the well-known, and rather…

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