Vayeitzei 5779-2018

“The Deceivers are Deceived” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we find Jacob fleeing for his life from his brother Esau’s wrath, because…

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Vayishlach 5761-2000

"The Proper and Improper use of Zealotry" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we encounter, in chapter 34, a very painful and distressing story…

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Vayeitzei 5765-2004

"Rachel: Portrait of a Matriarch" Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we are given perhaps the most extensive and most intimate view of Mother Rachel. We…

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Vayeitzei 5781-2020

“The Role of Mother Rachel in Jewish History” (updated and revised from Vayeitzei 2000-5761) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, we encounter Jacob…

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Vayigash 5768-2007

"And Jacob Sent Judah Ahead" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald As Jacob finalizes his plans to leave Canaan and reunite with his beloved son Joseph in Egypt, he sends a distinguished emissary…

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Toledot 5780-2019

“A Lesson from Jacob and Esau: Understanding and Accepting Differences” (Updated and revised from Toledot 5760-1999)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha,…

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Vayeishev 5780-2019

“The Coming of Age of Joseph: from Lad to Bechor” (edited and revised from Vayeishev 5760-2000)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayeishev, we are…

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Vayechi 5768-2007

"The Struggle Over the Birthright" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The struggle over the birthright is a recurring theme throughout the book of Genesis: Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac,…

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Vayishlach 5775-2014

“She Called His Name ‘Ben Oni’” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayishlach, Jacob, after many years of separation, finally reunites with his long-estranged…

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Tazria 5782-2022  

“Tzaraat—The Spiritual-Dermatological Disease” (updated and revised from Tazria 5763-2003)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Tazria, as well as parashat…

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