Angelic Praises
During the morning and afternoon prayer services (Shacharit and Mincha), when prayers are recited in the presence of a minyan (quorum of ten), the Amidah (the central standing prayer,…
Mikeitz 5760-1999
"Who is Osenath the wife of Joseph?" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Mikeitz, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream and is elevated to be mishne la'melech,…
Shemot 5770-2010
"In Those Days, In These Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This message may be a little late, but there seem to be strong parallels between the story of the enslavement of the Jews in…
Tzav 5769-2009
"Judaism's Upbeat View of the Past" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In last week's parasha, parashat Vayikra, the Torah addressed its message to those Israelites who sought to atone for a…
Sir Moses Montefiore
Sir Moses Montefiore (1784-1885) had an extraordinary impact on the world. Beginning a career in general business, Montefiore quickly gained one of the 12 brokers licenses allowed to…
Zodiac
Horoscopes are fun to read, especially when they tell you that you are about to get rich or find sudden fame. While telling the future through one’s horoscope is not part of Judaism, this…
Tzav 5764-2004
"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Tzav, continues parashat Vayikra's theme of sacrifices. The laws of the…
Tzav 5761 – 2001
"Behold I am sending you Elijah the Prophet" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On this coming Shabbat, the Shabbat of Erev Pesach, we read parashat Tzav. This Shabbat is known as Shabbat…
Shemini 5770-2010
"The Show Must Go On" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemini, the first day of Nissan, the day about which Aaron had been dreaming, finally arrived.…
Va’eira 5760-2000
"G-d Hardens Pharaoh's Heart: Reconciling Omniscience and Free Will" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, we encounter one of the fundamental…