Shemini 5784-2024
“Those Remarkable Dietary Laws” (updated and revised from Shemini 5766-2006) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, contains an extensive excursion into the…
Chukat 5771-2011
"The Well of Miriam" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Chukat, we learn of the passing of one of the great Jewish matriarchs, Miriam, the sister of Aaron and…
Noah 5772-2011
“Who is Canaan and Why is He Cursed?” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Noah, we learn of the harsh curse that Noah directed at his grandson, Canaan. After the…
Shelach 5777-2017
“The Slave Mentality” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shelach, we read of G-d’s shattering decree that the generation of Israelites who came out of Egypt…
Re’eh 5777-2017
“Coming to Jerusalem–-The Festival Pilgrimages” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Re’eh, we learn of the commandment for the Children of Israel to come to…
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…
Balak 5768-2008
"The 'Mazal Tov' Conundrum" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Balak, Balaam, the prophet to the nations, offers a series of four prophecies. The first three…
Judaism,Reading,Literacy,Passover Resources
Recommended Passover Reading
Recommended Passover ReadingPassover… the season of matzah, maror and minding the minutes until you can get away from your family. Not anymore! Shimon Apisdorf’s fantastic…
The Thanksgiving Synagogue Service
While Thanksgiving is most certainly an American festival of gratitude, its founders prominently articulated its religious underpinnings, which ultimately find their source in Judaism.…