Situation in the Suez
The Suez Canal, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, and thus to the Indian Ocean, was built in the 1860s through a French-Egyptian partnership. In 1875, debt forced the…
Continual Presence
The tumultuous record of Jewish history has led many to wonder how Jews can remain faithful to the Torah. But the very exiles and persecutions that might shake our faith are mentioned in…
Hallel and Yom Ha’atzma’ut
Is Yom Ha’atzma’ut, Israeli Independence Day, a religious holiday for Jews or a national/secular celebration? This question is at the heart of the debate as to whether one adds the prayer…
Vayeira 5770-2009
"Hospitality at Its Finest" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the conclusion of last week's parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we learn that, at age 99, Abraham had undergone the painful…
Simchat Torah 5767-2006
"The Evolving Holiday" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah is one of the most joyous of the Jewish calendar. In Israel, following the conclusion of the festival of…
Vayeira 5764-2003
"The Mitzvah of Bikur Cholim-Visiting the Sick" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeira, G-d appears to Abraham in Ay'lonay Mam'rei--the Plains of Mamrei…
Chayei Sara 5763-2002
"The Torah's Recipe for Finding a Proper Mate" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald One of the growing issues confronting contemporary American and world Jewry is the challenge of finding proper…
Vayeira 5761-2000
"Mount Moriah: Building for the Future Through Love" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Last week's parasha, parashat Lech L'cha, began with G-d saying to Avram, Gen 12:1: "Lech l'cha…
Bo 5768-2008
"Is This What You Call Borrowing?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Bo we learn that after the ninth plague, the plague of darkness, Pharaoh has reached his wit's end, and agrees…
Balak 5764-2004
"How Goodly Are Your Tents O' Jacob" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Balak, we read once again of the non-Jewish prophet, Bilaam, who attempts to curse the…