2024

“The Vast Majority of the Time, G-d Rules the World!”
(updated and revised from Vayeishev 5766-2005)

Although most of us live our lives under the common assumption that we all have freedom of will, there are times when G-d invokes a Divine plan, requiring human beings to follow a preordained script. In parashat Vayeishev, we see the very dominant role that G-d plays in Joseph’s life, and the inexorable fulfillment of the Divine predictions articulated in the Covenant between the Pieces.

“The Encounter”
(updated and revised from Vayishlach 5765-2004)

The encounter between Jacob and Esau is often seen as a metaphor of the battle between Judaism and Rome (pagan or secular values). The battle may also be within the Jews themselves--to maintain the correct and valid interpretations of Torah and tradition.

“Rachel: Portrait of a Matriarch”
(updated and revised from Vayeitzei 5765-2004)

This week’s parasha paints a broad and fascinating portrait of the beloved matriarch, Rachel. Rachel’s life is filled with moments of great exaltation and great desperation. There is much to learn from Rachel’s life and actions.

“Digging Wells”
(updated and revised from Toledot 5765-2004)

Parashat Toledot tells of numerous occasions when Isaac and his servants go to dig wells. What is so significant about well digging that impels the most important document in Judaism to not only recount that Isaac dug numerous wells, but to repeatedly list the well’s names? Obviously, these ancient wells were more than just watering holes. Indeed, they were signposts of Jewish identity, Jewish pride and Jewish outreach. We learn from Isaac and his wells, that the antisemites do not respect Jews who are ashamed of their heritage. On the other hand, non-Jews cannot help but admire those Jews who stand up proudly and state without reticence or embarrassment and declare: “I am a Jew!”

“Reaching Out to Family Members”
(updated and revised from Chayei Sarah 5765-2004)

Despite the fact that all his family who still resided in his native Mesopotamia were steeped in idolatry, Abraham decides to send Eliezer back to his homeland to find a bride for his son, Isaac. There is much we can learn from Abraham>s perseverance and persistence to reach out to and retrieve his family members who were so distant from his faith and his traditions.

“The Benefit of Broad-heartedness”
(updated and revised from Vayeira 5765-2004)

According to tradition, G-d remembers Sarah, who miraculously gives birth to Isaac in her old age, because Abraham prayed in a special way. It is broad-hearted prayer, where we pray for others aside from ourselves, that is most efficacious.

“Was Hagar Abused?”
(updated and revised from Lech Lecha 5765-2004)

A desperate Sarai gives her handmaiden, Hagar, to Abram to be his wife and have a child on her behalf. When Hagar becomes pregnant, she begins to mock Sarai. Sarai abuses Hagar, and Hagar flees. Is it conceivable that our venerated matriarch Sarai really abused her vulnerable handmaiden, Hagar?

“Eleven Lessons from Noah’s Ark”
(updated and revised from Noah 5765-2004)

There are many lessons that we may learn from Noah and his ark that come from many different sources. This improbable message from the internet, shares with us eleven important life lessons that may be derived from Noah’s ark.

“P’roo ur’voo,--Jewish Attitudes Toward Procreation”
(updated and revised from Bereshith-Simchat Torah 5765-2004) 

As we once again begin the Book of Genesis, we learn about the central mitzvah of procreation, "p’roo ur’voo," (Genesis 1:28). Judaism diverges from much of Christianity in its forthright and positive attitude towards sexuality. Not only is bearing children a mitzvah in Judaism, but even pleasure in sexuality is a mitzvah. Furthermore, even those who are not blessed with children can bear spiritual fruit, by becoming teachers of Torah or by supporting the study of Torah.

“Sukkot - The Festival of Joy”
(updated and revised from Sukkot I 5767-2006)

The holiday of Sukkot, known as the “Festival of Joy,” was renowned in ancient times for its most festive celebration of Simchat Beit Hashoeva, the festival of the water libation. Around the year 95 B.C.E. when the King of Judea, Alexander Yannai, attempted to change the ritual of water libation, he was pelted by the traditionalists, leading to a massacre of many of the celebrants. While even the minute detail of the Sukkot rituals were sacred to the ancients, unfortunately, most contemporary Jews fail to celebrate Sukkot in any manner, and know absolutely nothing of this very special joyous festival.

“G-d’s Gift to His People on Yom Kippur”
(updated and revised from Yom Kippur 5765-2004)

One expects sinners and criminals to pay for their sins and crimes, either by way of monetary assessment or physical punishment such as lashes or incarceration. And yet, the Divine method of judgment is so different. When the Al-mighty grants forgiveness, He wipes the slate clean and says, “You’ve sinned, you’ve trespassed--just don’t do it anymore.” There is no expectation of compensation or further punishment. Forgiveness has been granted! It is a Divine gift based purely on G-d’s love for His people.

“Jewish Normal, Is Not Very Normal”
(updated and revised from Haazinu-Rosh Hashana 5774-2013)

We live in remarkable times, anomalous times, times that have no precedent in all of Jewish history. Experiences of relative peace and tranquility can hardly be called the “Jewish normal.”

“Choosing Life”
(updated and revised from Nitzavim-Vayeilech 5763-2003)

In parashat Nitzavim, the Al-mighty begs his children to "choose life." Judaism believes that "healthy guilt" allows us to override our defense mechanisms and helps us acknowledge the changes that we need to make in order to improve our lives, to perfect our situation and to choose life.

“Contemporary Implication of an Ancient Ritual”
(updated and revised from Kee Tavo 5765-2005)

In this week’s parasha, we read of the formula of confession that the Israelite farmer of old recited when he redeemed his tithes, declaring that he hasn’t given in grief, impurely, or to the dead. While the vast majority of Jews no longer work as farmers, the statement recited by the ancient Israelites is relevant today to those who wish to properly redeem their charitable commitments. There is much that may be learned from this ancient ritual.

“The Revolution that Started with a Fence”
(updated from Kee Teitzei 5765-2005)

Although the Torah is often looked upon by its detractors as an ancient, even primitive, code of law, parashat Kee Teitzei demonstrates clearly how the Torah was really light-years ahead of its time. The simple law of ma'akeh, the requirement to place a protective parapet or barrier around the roof, underscores the Torah's central theme--that any hazard that may compromise public or private safety must be eliminated.

“Adding or Subtracting”
(updated and revised from Re’eh 5766-2006)

In parashat Re'eh, we learn of the prohibition of adding or subtracting from the Torah. Any attempt to manipulate the Biblical text would imply that the Commandments are imperfect or irrelevant. And yet, rabbis throughout the ages, built fences around the mitzvot and added festivals and observances. How could that be justified?

“Understanding Birkat Hamazon, the Grace After Meals”
(updated and revised from Eikev 5765-2005)

Parashat Eikev contains the verse that serves as the source of the mitzvah mandating the reciting of Birkat Hamazon--the Grace after meals. What is the purpose of the Grace after meals? Furthermore, how can a lowly mortal hope to bless or acknowledge the Source of his/her food?

“The Jewish Attitude Toward Intermarriage”
(updated and revised from Va’etchanan 5765-2005)

In parashat Va’etchanan we read of the stern prohibition against intermarriage with those who are not members of the Jewish faith. Different arguments are often presented why Jewish young people should not intermarry. Perhaps the most compelling argument is that only those who marry within the faith can hope to be part of the revolutionary mission of the Jewish people to perfect the world under the rule of the Al-mighty and to serve as a light unto the nations.

“The Book of Deuteronomy-Mishneh Torah and the Purpose of Repetition”
(updated and revised from Devarim 5765-2005)

The book of Deuteronomy, known as Mishneh Torah, the repetition of the Torah, serves several important purposes as a complement to the first four books of the Torah: 1. It explains mitzvot that had already been mentioned 2. It provides additional details about previously mentioned narratives 3. It frequently serves as a forum for ethical teachings and lessons regarding reward and punishment 4. It introduces a host of new mitzvot.

“Taking a Stand Against the Banality of Evil”
(updated and revised from Matot-Masei 5766-2006)

In Parashat Matot, we learn that the Israelite soldiers are instructed to avenge the harlotry of Midianites that resulted in the deaths of 24,000 Israelites in a plague. Despite
this exceptional instance, the Jewish soldiers are reluctant to kill the women and children, until a Divine command is issued.
Why a Divine command? To teach how concerned Judaism is that killing never ever becomes casual or mundane, and to assure that
indifference to life never finds a home in the hearts of the Jewish people.

"Whatever Became of the Sons of Korach”
(updated and revised from Pinchas 5765-2005)

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, “If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel.” Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But, is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to serve as a proper role model for others?

“Bilaam, Prophet to the Nations”
(updated and revised from Balak 5765-2005)

The Midrash says that G-d gave the gentile nations a prophet of the stature of Bilaam so that the nations would not be able to say, “If we had a prophet, we would be as righteous as Israel.” Instead of leading his people to good, Bilaam led the people to evil and corruption. But, is it truly Bilaam and others like him who fail, or is it the failure of the Jews to serve as a proper role model for others?

“Moses gets Battered by the Commentaries”
(updated and revised from Chukat 5765-2005)

The tragic episode of Moses hitting, instead of speaking to, the rock at Mei Merivahis one of the most difficult and enigmatic in the Torah. The commentators struggle mightily with this Torah portion. As a result, many sins, mistakes and transgressions are attributed to Moses and Aaron. Are they really justified?

“Lessons from the Rebels”
(updated and revised from Korach 5765-2005)

The sad story of the rebellion of Korach and his tragic demise are remote and far-removed from the minds and experiences
of most contemporary men and women. There are, however, many profound lessons to be learned from the Korach saga regarding
individual destiny choices, living up to one’s potential and working within the given structures.

“Bread Alone”
(updated and revised from Shelach 5765-2005)

On the heels of the grievous sin of the scouts, G-d forbids an entire generation of men, 20 years old and up, to enter the land of Israel. Strangely, the story of the scouts is followed immediately by two Torah portions that focus specifically on Israel--sacrifice and libations, and the giving of challah. The law of challah required that a portion of dough, from every loaf of bread that is baked, be given to the Priest. This gift of challah, underscores the primacy of sustaining our teachers and spiritual leaders, and maintaining the excellence of Jewish education throughout the generations, even in the diaspora.

“The Message of the Trumpets"
(updated and revised from B'ha'a'lot'cha 5765-2005)

The Torah, in parashat B’ha’a’lot’cha, G-d instructs Moses to fashion two silver trumpets that are to be sounded by the priests at special moments and occasions for the Jewish people. The trumpet is different from the shofar, and is meant to arouse enthusiasm in Jewish life.

Shavuot 5784-2024
“Abba’s Final Shavuot”
(updated and revised from Shavuot 5765-2005)

My father, Moshe Buchwald taught us how to appreciate and beautify the holidays. Of all the holidays, Shavuot was the most engaging of all.

"A Lesson from the N’seeim--the Tribal Leaders"
(updated and revised from Naso 5765-2005)

The fact that the Torah dwells at great length on the gifts of the tribal princes should serve as a clue that there is much to be learned from this Torah portion and from the behavior of the princes, as well as from the actions of Moses and Aaron.

“Lessons from Traveling in the Wilderness”
(updated and revised from Bamidbar 5765-2005)

Parashat Bamidbar goes into great detail when describing the setup of the encampment of the ancient Israelites as they traveled and encamped in the wilderness. These details, seemingly insignificant, provide essential lessons for Jews, lessons that must be mastered and implemented in our own lives, to ensure the survival of our people.

“Achieving Peace and Security for the Jewish People”
(updated and revised from Bechukotai 5765-2005)

Parashat Bechukotai pronounces the ultimate formula for achieving peace for the Jewish people. G-d declares: If the Jewish people wish to attain peace and ultimate blessing, they must follow My decrees and observe My commandments and perform them. Security for Jews, is a factor of the Jewish people’s relationship with G-d.