Vayeitzei 5777-2016

“The Great Deception” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we learn how Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah, his older daughter, to be Jacob’s…

Read More

Eikev 5768-2008

"Fear and Reverence of G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Once again, in parashat Eikev, Moses stresses to the Jewish people that notwithstanding their improprieties, G-d's love for His…

Read More

Ushpizin

Ushpizin According to the kaballah, the Jewish mystical tradition, the Divine Presence (Shechina) accompanies every Jew into…

Angelic Praises

During the morning and afternoon prayer services (Shacharit and Mincha), when prayers are recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten), the Amidah (the central standing prayer,…

Read More

Vayeira 5780-2019

“The Preciousness of Hospitality” (Updated and Revised from Vayeira 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeira, opens, aged Abraham, 99 years old, is…

Read More

Vayakhel-Pekudei 5780-2020

“Judaism Sanctifies Time, Not Space” (Updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5761-2001)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   On this coming Shabbat, two Torah portions are read,…

Read More

Tisha b’Av

Tisha b’Av The saddest day in the Jewish calendar, believed to be a day which is destined for tragedy.  Guide…

Shemini 5768-2008

"The Eighth Day" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Shemini, opens with a description of the special service that Aaron and his sons performed on the day of their…

Read More

Kedoshim 5782-2022

“Giving Proper Reproof” (updated and revised from Kedoshim 5763-2003) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kedoshim, we encounter the well-known Biblical dictum,…

Read More

Vayeitzei 5784-2023

Urgent message: Given the most challenging situation in Israel at this time, I urge all to pray for the bereaved families, the hostages, the missing and the many casualties. Please try…

Read More