Why Were Scouts of the Promised Land Needed?

The most devastating punishment meted out by God in the Torah is described in this week’s parashah. God commands Moses to send 12 scouts – one representing each tribe - to reconnoiter…

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Why Were Scouts of the Promised Land Needed?

The most devastating punishment meted out by God in the Torah is described in this week’s Torah portion, parashat Shelach. God commands Moses to send 12 scouts – one representing each…

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Korach 5782-2022

“Korach’s Rebellion: Why is the Jewish Community Losing So Many of its Best and Brightest?” (updated and revised from Korach 5763-2003) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha,…

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Vayishlach 5780-2019

“The Massacre of Shechem, Can it be Justified?” (Updated and revised from Vayishlach 5760-1999)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, commences,…

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Eikev 5770-2010

"The Great, Mighty and Awesome G-d" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Eikev, we learn of G-d's unconditional love for His people. Notwithstanding Israel's…

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Vayishlach 5760-1999

"The Massacre of Shechem, Can it be Justified?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald As this week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach commences, Jacob prepares for the fateful confrontation with his…

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Vayeilech-Yom Kippur 5773-2012

“The Limits of Free Will” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald During the period of the Ten Days of Penitence, and especially with the imminent arrival of Yom Kippur, it is most appropriate to…

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Vayishlach 5763-2002

"We Can Forgive the Arabs For Killing Our Children..." by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald As we learn more and more Torah, we cannot help but realize that we frequently learn revolutionary…

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Bo 5761-2001

"The Slave Mentality" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Bo, concludes the narrative of the ten plagues by recounting the final three plagues, locusts,…

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Kee Tavo 5781-2021

“A Contemporary Interpretation of an Ancient Reproof” (updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5762-2002)   This coming week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, is one of two parashiot in the…

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