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economic success

Toledot 5785-2024

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

“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!”

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0 Comments10 Minutes

Toledot 5784-2023

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

“The Theological Underpinnings of Antisemitism”
(updated and revised from Toledot 5764-2003)

In one of the first recorded acts of antisemitism, the Philistines blocked up the wells that had been dug by Abraham's servants. The juxtaposition of this act with the description of the economic success that was enjoyed by Abraham's son has led many to believe that the motivation for the evil acts perpetrated against him was economic envy. Is that truly the primary cause of this and other hateful acts perpetuated against Jews? Perhaps not.

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0 Comments7 Minutes

B’ha’a’lot’cha 5782-2022

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

“The Message of the Manna”
(updated and revised from B’ha’a’lot’cha 5763-2003)

The Manna is the food from heaven that sustained the Israelites for forty years as they wandered in the wilderness. Manna, in effect, represents the heavenly means of support that is provided to each household. The Malbim, Rabbi Meir Yehudah Leibush, cites seven important lessons to be gleaned from Manna. Ultimately, the lesson is, that we must be the masters of our labors and our careers and not allow them to master us.

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0 Comments7 Minutes

Toledot 5770-2009

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

"The Jew Under the Microscope"

Jewish material success in the diaspora has often resulted in resentment of the Jew. This principle is clearly articulated in Isaac's successful endeavors in Grar and his subsequent expulsion.

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0 Comments9 Minutes

Toledot 5765-2004

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

"Digging Wells"

Parashat Toledot tells of numerous occasions when Isaac and his servants go out 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 even list the well's names? Obviously, these ancient wells were signposts of Jewish identity, Jewish pride and Jewish outreach. We learn from Isaac and his wells that the anti-Semites 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, "I am a Jew!"

Read More


0 Comments9 Minutes

Toledot 5764-2003

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

"The Theological Underpinnings of Anti-Semitism"

In one of the first recorded acts of anti-Semitism, the Philistines blocked up the wells that had been dug by Abraham's servants. The juxtaposition of this act with the description of the economic success that was enjoyed by Abraham's son leads one to believe that the motivation for the evil acts perpetrated against him was economic envy. Is that truly the primary cause of this and other hateful acts perpetuated against Jews?

Read More


0 Comments7 Minutes

B’ha’alot’cha 5763-2003

by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald

"The Message of the Manna"

The Manna is the food from heaven that sustained the Jewish people for forty years while they wandered in the wilderness. Manna, in effect, represents the heavenly means of support that is provided to each household. The Malbim, Rabbi Meir Yehudah Leibush, cites seven important lessons to be gleaned from Manna. Ultimately, the lesson is that we must be the masters of our labors and our careers and not allow them to master us.

Read More


0 Comments7 Minutes

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