Tzav 5772-2012
“Spiritual Movements in the Life of a Jew” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tzav, continues the theme that dominates much of the book of Leviticus: the roles of…
Behar-Bechukotai, Yom Yerushalayim 5772-2012
"Living Outside the Land of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Behar, the first of this week’s double parashiot, Behar-Bechukotai, we learn of the special relationship that…
Metzorah,Tazria,Weekly Message
Tazria-Metzorah 5773-2013
"Ritual Impurity and Tzaraat: A Contemporary Understanding" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s double parashiot, Tazria and Metzorah, are among the most complex Torah portions for…
Mishpatim 5774-2014
“Oh’na’ah–Taking Unfair Advantage of the Weak” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Mishpatim, contains 53 of the 613 commandments, 30 negative commandments and 23…
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…
Kedoshim 5774-2014
“The Prohibition of Taking Revenge” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Kedoshim, we find the ever-popular verse of Leviticus 19:18, וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ…
Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5774-2014
“Repentance-With a Little Help from our Friend in Heaven!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Nitzavim, the first of this week’s double parashiot, Nitzavim-Vayeilech, we read the…
Lech Lecha,Weekly Message,Genesis
Lech Lecha 5775-2014
“Lot Grows Increasingly Estranged from his Uncle Abram” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, Abram (he has not yet been renamed Abraham) concludes the…
Shemot 5775-2015
"Moses--The Mysterious Early Years" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, the Torah reports that Moses, the Jewish child who was rescued by Pharaoh’s…
Weekly Message,Metzorah,Yom Ha'atzmaut,Tazria
Tazria-Metzorah-Yom Ha’atzmaut 5775-2015
“Finding the Silver Lining” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Tazria, the first of this week’s double parashiot Tazria-Metzorah, we encounter the laws of צָרָעַת Tzaraat, the…