Va’eira 5761-2001
"The Subtle Slavery" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, G-d promises Moshe that the Jewish people will ultimately be redeemed. Again and again…
Pinchas 5783-2023
“The Conundrum of Pinchas: Do His Actions Set an Unacceptable Precedent?” (updated and revised from Pinchas 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Pinchas,…
Mishpatim 5784-2024
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…
B’shalach 5761-2001
"Where is Nachshon, the Son of Aminadav, When We Need Him?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat B'shalach, describes G-d's miraculous salvation of the Jewish…
Yitro 5768-2008
"Welcoming Jethro, the Idolatrous Priest" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Yitro, we read of the arrival of Moses' father-in-law in the wilderness, where the…
Pinchas 5764-2004
"The Conundrum of Pinchas: Do His Actions Set an Unacceptable Precedent?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Pinchas, we encounter the final chapter of…
Yitro 5774-2014
“Jethro’s Blessing” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, joins the People of Israel after they had been delivered from the…
Eikev 5774-2014
“No Reason to Glory!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Eikev, is filled with common sense wisdom. The many insightful observations found in parashat Eikev…
Noah 5779-2018
“Noah’s Birds– The Raven and the Dove” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Noah, as the waters of the Flood subside, Noah sends out two birds from the Ark--a…
Ordaining with Both Hands
Semicha, which connotes rabbinic ordination, as understood today, consists of passing proficiency exams and receiving permission from one’s teachers to rule on questions of Jewish law.…