The Blessings of the Amidah: Closeness to God
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. Having recognized that God is the source of wisdom in the fourth blessing, the fifth blessing beseeches…
The Blessings of the Amidah: Understanding
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The fourth blessing recognizes God as the source of our own ability to understand the world. Ah’tah…
The Blessings of the Amidah: God’s Might
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The second blessing is a meditation on God’s might and His role in the basic flow of life. Ah’tah gibor…
In The Merit Of Our Ancestors
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The first blessing reflects God’s promise to protect the descendants of Abraham. Blessed are You, Lord…
Passover II 5782-2022
Passover II 5782-2022 “Counting the Omer” (Revised and updated from Passover II 5768-2008) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Emor, we learn of the mitzvah of counting the Omer. In…
Vayeishev 5767-2006
"What's in a Name?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we are privileged to encounter one of the great epic narratives of world literature, the saga…
Va’eira 5764-2004
"The Names of G-d and Their Meanings" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, G-d speaks to Moses and says to him (Exodus 6:2): "Ah'nee Hashem," I…
Tetzaveh 5760-2000
"Clothes: A Reflection of the Divine Image" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Tetzaveh, we read of the big'dei k'huna, the priestly garments, with very…
Purim,Weekly Message,Kee Tisah
Kee Tisah-Purim 5762-2002
"The Story of Esther--Making Choices for Jewish Destiny" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Because the festival of Purim will be celebrated throughout the world this Monday evening, the 25th…
Vayechi 5761-2001
"Revealing the Time of the Coming of the End of Days" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Vayechi, is the only "sealed" parasha in the Torah, meaning that there are…