Spying: Take Two
The Book of Joshua begins with God appearing to Joshua, Moses’ prime disciple and successor, and informing him to prepare to lead the Children of Israel into the Land of Israel. Joshua…
Metzorah 5779-2019
“The Ultimate Value and Sanctity of Human Life in Judaism” (Revised and updated from Metzorah 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Metzorah, continues the…
The Samurai Who Saved Thousands of Jews from the Nazis
Often, when tragedy strikes, many seek to uncover a silver lining by searching for heroes and their selflessness. On the pantheon of such heroes during the Shoah (the Holocaust) is Chiune…
Brother Against Brother
The origins of sibling rivalry, brother against brother violence and even, God forbid, fratricide, can be traced back to the first family in human history, when Cain killed his brother…
Vayigash 5779-2018
“The Innocent Victim” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, the Torah describes the dramatic moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers. Prior to…
Vayeitzei 5779-2018
“The Deceivers are Deceived” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we find Jacob fleeing for his life from his brother Esau’s wrath, because…
Chayei Sarah 5779-2018
“Abraham’s Eulogy for His Beloved Sarah” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chayei Sarah, we learn of the passing of the Matriarch, Sarah, at age…
The Month of Av
The months of the Jewish year are called in the Torah by number only (the first month, second month, etc.) Over time, during the exile, the months assumed the names given to them by…
Illegitimate
Today’s Jewish Treat starts off with a term that is sometimes considered a swear word: “bastard.” The term is often used in Western society to label a child who was born out of wedlock.…
Relationship Builder
One of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of Jewish law is also one of its most private. These are the laws euphemistically known as Taharat Hamishpacha, the laws of family purity,…