Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5766-2006
"The Torah's Not-So-Secret Formula for Peace" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald It is rather remarkable how often the weekly Torah portion contains a textual reference that seems to allude to…
Kee Tavo 5772-2012
“Persecution’s ‘Silver Lining’” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Kee Tavo, is one of two weekly Torah portions that contain the verses known as the “Tochacha ,”…
v’Zot Habracha-Simchat Torah 5776-2015
“The Confluence of v’Zot Habracha and the Holiday” (originally posted in 5770-2009) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The festival of Simchat Torah, the rejoicing with the Law, is one of two…
Yom Kippur,Vayeilech,Weekly Message
Vayeilech-Yom Kippur 5777-2016
“Patience Tempered With Love” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeilech, we once again encounter Moses, on the last day of his life, bidding farewell to his…
Vayeishev 5779-2018
“The Mystical Aspects of the Sale of Joseph” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we read of the sale of Joseph by his brothers, which resulted…
Yitro 5779-2019
“An Encounter with Jethro and the Non-Jewish World” (Revised and updated from Yitro 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald At the end of last week’s parasha, parashat B’shalach (Exodus…
Devarim,Tisha b'Av,Weekly Message
Devarim-Tisha B’Av 5762-2002
"Judging Our People Favorably" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's Torah portion, parashat Devarim, is always read prior to Tisha b'Av, the fast of the Ninth of Av (observed on…
Judaism,All Audience,Chayei Sarah,Literacy,Weekly Message
Chayei Sarah 5780-2019
“Rebecca and Isaac’s First Encounter: a Revealing Insight into the Future” (updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5760-1999) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha,…
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…