Weekly Message,Toledot

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…

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Mikeitz,Chanukah,Weekly Message

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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Mikeitz,Weekly Message

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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Weekly Message,Bo

Bo 5763-2003

"The Subtle Secrets of the 10 Plagues" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Bo, describes the last three of the ten plagues. While the listing of the Ten…

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Vayigash,Weekly Message

Vayigash 5774-2013

“The Dreams and the Divine Covenant” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. After twenty-two years of separation,…

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Va'eira,Weekly Message

Va’eira 5776-2016

“The Lessons of Genealogy” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, we learn of the noble family background of Moses and Aaron, who would soon emerge to lead…

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Weekly Message,Va'eira

Va’eira 5778-2018

“Participating in the Communal Pain” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   This week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, marks the commencement of the redemption of the People of Israel from their…

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Jewish Treats

Watch Your Words

The Mishna Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) is filled with wise advice and insightful statements. Among those of the first chapter is a fascinating instruction given by Avtalion, a…

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Jewish Treats

A Pair of Psalms

“You will eat and be satisfied, and bless the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:10). There are few pleasures shared by cultures around the world as the pleasure of eating. Because it is human…

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Jewish Treats

Rachel’s Influence

At the end of the patriarch Jacob’s life, Joseph brings his sons to his father for a blessing. This scene, recorded in Genesis 48, includes a seemingly odd statement by Jacob: "And as for…

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