Special For Chanukah: The Chanukah Blessings

Tonight, on the first night of Chanukah, one candle/light is placed on the far right of the menorah. Each succeeding night, one candle/light is added to the left of the previous night’s…

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Re’eh 5762-2002

"Changing and Updating Jewish Law" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Re'eh, we encounter a fascinating law known in rabbinic literature as Shmitat…

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The Sukkah

The Sukkah The Sukkah Leviticus 23:42-43 – You shall dwell in sukkot seven days, every citizen in Israel shall dwell in…

Advanced Preparation

This world is like a lobby before Olam Habah (Ethics of the Fathers 4:16) prepare yourself in the lobby so that you may enter the banquet hall.

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Remember to Whisper

When reciting the Shema, whether in the morning or in the evening, remember to recite the words "Baruch shem k’vod malchuto l’olam va’ed" ("Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom for…

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Vayeira 5764-2003

"The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim-Visiting the Sick" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeira, G-d appears to Abraham in Ay'lonay Mam'rei--the Plains of Mamrei…

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Eikev 5761-2001

"The Intermarriage Conundrum" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The opening verses of this week's parasha, parashat Eikev, conclude the theme that was the focus of the final part of last…

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Lech Lecha 5763-2002

"The Two Birds of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parsha, Lech Lecha, Avram (his name has not yet been changed to Avraham) receives a "calling" to go to the…

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Haazinu 5763-2002

"On the Anniversary of September 11th" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming Shabbat, the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, is known as Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of…

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Passover Preparations

Passover Preparations “And this day will be for you as a memorial and you will celebrate it as a festival for G-d. Throughout…