Mikeitz 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 to…

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Mikeitz-Chanukah 5764-2003

"Chanukah--The Struggle of Joseph and Judah" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald It is not at all a coincidence that parashat Mikeitz coincides with the festival of Chanukah. After all, Joseph's…

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Vayeishev 5774-2013

"Reuben is Credited with Saving Joseph’s Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Joseph is dispatched by Jacob on a fateful mission to check on the well-being of his brothers who had gone to…

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Bereshith 5775-2014

“The Sad Destiny of the Firstborn Children” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald A prominent feature of the book of Genesis is the struggle for family leadership between the firstborn and the…

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Vayeishev 5778-2017

  Vayeishev 5778-2017 “The Jealousy Between Brothers” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In parashat Vayeishev we read of the powerful forces of jealousy and enmity that rip apart…

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Noah 5763-2002

"The Story of Noah--Fact or Fantasy?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's Torah portion, Parashat Noach, the famous "Flood story," is a truly intriguing portion. Academic and…

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Bereshith 5768-2007

"Starting All Over--Again!" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The holidays are over. In ancient times, the farmers would by now have returned to their fields. Contemporary business people have…

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Chayei Sarah 5768-2007

"O Captain, My Captain" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Although the name of this week's parasha is Chayei Sarah, literally, "the life of Sarah," the parasha does not really concern itself…

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Vayeishev 5761-2000

"The Coming of Age of Joseph: from Lad to Bechor" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we learn of the family of Jacob and of the terrible…

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Vayechi 5763-2002

"How Important is Timing?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Vayechi, contains the exalted poetic verses known as "Birkot Yaakov," Jacob's blessings of his…

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