Vayechi 5777-2017
“The Passing of the Last of the Patriarchs” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, is the final parasha of the book of Genesis. In this parasha, Jacob, the…
Vayigash 5778-2017
“Jacob’s Enhanced Joy from Joseph His Righteous Son” In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayigash, after 22 years of separation, the elderly Patriarch Jacob, is reunited with his…
Vayechi 5770-2009
"Rachel's Burial Place in Bethlehem" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayechi, when Joseph is told that his father is ill, he takes his two sons, Menashe and…
Vayechi 5771-2010
“A Very Imposing Camp” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, the patriarch Jacob passes away at age 147 and is brought to Hebron for burial in Ma’arath…
Vayishlach 5765-2004
"The Encounter" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we read of the dramatic encounter between Jacob and Esau. Uncertain whether Esau is coming toward…
Vayechi 5780-2020
"The Critical Importance of Timing" (updated and revised from Vayechi 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Vayechi, includes almost a full chapter…
Vayishlach 5781-2020
“The Proper and Improper use of Zealotry” (updated and revised from Vayishlach 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we encounter in…
Vayeitzei 5771-2010
"The Hated Wife” by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we come face-to-face with the difficulties that are often encountered in polygamous marriages. In…
Vayeitzei 5761-2000
"The Role of Mother Rachel in Jewish History" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we encounter Jacob as he is fleeing from Canaan, the home of his…
Vayishlach 5771-2010
“The Power of a Vow” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the second part of this week’s action-packed parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we read of Jacob’s return to Beth-El, the scene of his…