Bo 5778-2018
“Deceptions at the Behest of G-d” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Bo, we read of the final three plagues that strike the Egyptians and ultimately lead…
Passover II 5779-2019
“On the Seventh Day the Walls of Water Split” (Revised and updated from Passover 5765-2005) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Passover holiday is divided chronologically into two parts,…
Rosh Hashana,Judaism,Rosh Hashana ResourcesLiteracy,Judaism,Rosh Hashana
Preparing for the New Year
Preparing for theNew YearElul — The Month Before Rosh Hashana Table of Contents Teshuva- Repentance Customs of Elul 1.…
Yom Kippur 5772-2011
"The Magic of the Day of Atonement" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald The Jewish calendar has an abundance of "propitious" or "favorable" times and occasions. Nissan, the month of Passover, is…
What is Isru Chag?
The day after vacation is often a time of distraction and disorientation. The same is true of the day following a religious holiday, especially after one of the week-long holidays…
When Moses was the High Priest
In Modern Hebrew, mi’lu’im connotes reserve military duty that Israel Defense Force (IDF) soldiers who complete their compulsory service, are required to fulfil. Mi’lu’im service can…
The Demise of Villains
Purim is a day on the Jewish calendar throughout Jewish history that has brought much joy to the Jewish people. A few years ago, a Jewish Soviet immigrant to the United States shared that…
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
This year, Purim will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 10th (beginning Monday evening, March 9th, after sunset). Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday: Megillah Reading - Book of…
A Kosher Buffet
While it seems a bit counterintuitive to have a day celebrating abundant eating the day after a national holiday, nevertheless, January 2nd is celebrated as “Buffet Day.” The concept of a…
God and Thanksgiving
Most people correctly associate Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims, Plymouth and the Native Americans with whom the Pilgrims shared a community. Yet, the original Thanksgiving in the United…