Re’eh 5783-2023

"The Sanctity of Land and its Implications” (updated and revised from Re’eh 5765-2005) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   Among the topics discussed in this week’s parasha, parashat…

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Devarim-Tisha B’Av 5764-2004

"Building a 'New' Sanctuary" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Devarim, is always read on the week that precedes the Fast of the Ninth of Av (Tisha b'Av), which…

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Vayigash 5760-1999

"The Reunion of Jacob & Joseph: An Immortal Lesson About Love" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, Parashat Vayigash, we read of the dramatic reunion of Joseph and his…

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Mishpatim 5767-2007

"The Hebrew Maidservant is Alive and Well" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, Parashat Misphatim (literally, "laws"), G-d sets much of the structure of Jewish civil…

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B’ha’alot’cha 5769-2009

"Would a Human Author Have Written this?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Beha'alotecha, contains a host of diverse themes. Topics include: the Menorah,…

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Passover: The Second Days 5768-2008

"Counting the Omer" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In parashat Emor, we learn of the mitzvah of counting the Omer. Leviticus 23:15-16 declares: "Oosfartem lachem mee'macharat…

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Va’eira 5771-2011

"Messages from the Nile" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, we read of the first seven plagues that strike the Egyptians. The first two plagues, blood…

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Vayechi 5775-2014

“Jacob Remembers Rachel” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayechi, Jacob, who has been living in Egypt for seventeen years, makes his son, Joseph, swear that…

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Devarim 5775-2015

“Looking Through the Pain, Toward a Bright Future” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald With this week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, we begin reading the fifth and final book of the Torah, the…

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Korach 5776-2016

“Givers and Takers" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we read of Korach’s rebellion against G-d and Moses, and the devastating end that Korach meets…

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