Re’eh 5763-2003
"The Elusive Blessing of 'Peace'" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's Torah portion, Parashat Re'eh, contains some of the most exalted verses in the entire Torah concerning G-d's…
B’ha’alot’cha 5768-2008
"The Gift of Spiritual Potential" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In response to Moses' complaint that he cannot bear the burden of the people of Israel alone, G-d instructs Moses to select…
Bechukotai 5774-2014
“The Role of Exile in Jewish Theology” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As we have noted previously (Kee Tavo 5762-2002), parashat Bechukotai is one of the two parashiot in the Torah,…
Korach 5774-2014
“Aaron Stops the Plague” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we read of the dramatic rebellion of Korach, Datan and Abiram, and their…
Rosh Hashana,Weekly Message,Nitzavim
Nitzavim-Rosh Hashana 5775/5776-2015
“Standing Firmly Before G-d and Man” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Nitzavim, Moses, on the final day of his life, gathers all the People of Israel…
Bechukotai 5776-2016
“The Tochaycha–G-d’s Daunting Reproof of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Bechukotai, contains the first of two Tochaychot--תּוֹכֵחוֹת, G-d’s reproofs or…
Kee Tisah 5774-2014
“Moses Argues with G-d to Save the Jewish People from Destruction” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tisah, features the tragic saga of the Golden Calf, and…
Chukat 5776-2016
“The Bronze Serpent" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn that the People of Israel are at it again! Only a short distance remains for…
Balak 5773-2013
"Balaam’s Second Vision: Lo, a People that Rises Like a Lion" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, we read of Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, and…
Shoftim 5767-2007
"The King of Israel: The Privileged and Obligated Monarch" By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Shoftim, we read the biblical statement regarding appointing a king in Israel. The…