Vayikra 5771-2011
"No Leaven or Honey on the Altar" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, Jews, in synagogues throughout the world, begin to read the third of the Five Books…
Vayikra 5772-2012
“Pass the Salt, Please!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayikra, we learn of the obligation of placing salt on all sacrificial offerings, including all…
Bo 5778-2018
“Deceptions at the Behest of G-d” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bo, we read of the final three plagues that strike the Egyptians and ultimately lead…
Kedoshim,Acharei Mot,Weekly Message
Acharei Mot-Kedoshim 5767-2007
"Beards and Payos" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the second of this week's double parashiot, Acharei Mot-Kedoshim, instructions are given regarding "kosher barbering etiquette": the…
Anatomy of a Jewish Leader
This week’s Torah portion re-introduces us to one of the most seminal characters of Jewish history: Moses. Known as Moshe Rabbeinu, Hebrew for Moses our teacher, Moses was unique among…
Moses’ Mysterious and Mortal Maternity
Moses is arguably the central and most important figure in the Hebrew Bible. Maimonides advances that of the 55 Jewish prophets, Moses’ type of prophecy was quite different and far more…
The Pope and the Jewish Prayer for Rain
Did you know that several centuries ago, a Pope impacted Jewish law? Most Jewish events of note are based on the Jewish calendar. That’s why it’s surprising to learn that the date when…
For Your Eyes Only
Did you know that according to the U.S. Postal Service, willfully and knowingly reading someone else's mail is a federal offense. That’s right, even that department store bill addressed…
For Your Eyes Only
Did you know that according to the U.S. Postal Service, willfully and knowingly reading someone else's mail is a Federal offense. That’s right, even that department store bill addressed…
Shoftim 5783-2023
“Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue” (updated and revised from Shoftim 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Parashat Shoftim--the name means “judges” or “magistrates,” deals…