Re’eh 5771-2011
"Listening to the Message" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Re’eh, Moses continues his exhortation to the Jewish people, imploring them to remain faithful to…
Vayigash 5772-2011
"Joseph and Judah: A Confrontation for Posterity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, we read of the dramatic and powerful confrontation between Judah and Joseph. (For an…
Nitzavim,Weekly Message,Rosh Hashana
Nitzavim-Rosh Hashana 5773-2012
“The Return to G-d” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the heels of last week’s parasha, Kee Tavo, and G-d’s reproof of the Jewish people contained therein, this week’s parasha, parashat…
Shoftim 5773-2013
“Egypt: Off Limits to Jews” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, we learn of the Torah’s prohibition for Jews to return to the land of Egypt. In…
Bo 5774-2014
“In the Blink of an Eye” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bo, Pharaoh finally yields to the power and destruction of the Ten Plagues. Rising in the middle of…
Yom Kippur 5775-2014
“The High Priest’s Dilemma–What to Wear on Yom Kippur?” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Torah reading from Leviticus 16:1-34 that is read on Yom Kippur morning in synagogues throughout…
Mikeitz 5775-2014
“Why Did Joseph, the Viceroy of Egypt, Never Contact His Aged Father?” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, Joseph, the poor Hebrew slave boy who had…
Genesis,Weekly Message,Vayechi
Vayechi 5775-2014
“Jacob Remembers Rachel” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, Jacob, who has been living in Egypt for seventeen years, makes his son, Joseph, swear that…
Shemini 5776-2016
“Good Intentions Gone Awry” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, we learn of the tragic deaths of Aaron’s oldest sons, Nadav and Abihu, who were punished…
Genesis,Weekly Message,Acharei Mot
Acharei Mot 5776-2016
“Never Give Up Hope" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Acharei Mot opens with a description of the ancient atonement service conducted on Yom Kippur in the Tabernacle for the People…