Judaism

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.

“The Torah’s Revolutionary Economic System”
(updated and revised from Behar 5765-2005)

Parashat Behar often gets lost in the shuffle following Passover and before the summer, and yet contains many revolutionary concepts, challenging the prevailing ideas of both capitalism and socialism. The Torah provides its own modified economic system that attempts to insure the humanity of all people in all situations.

“The Counting of the Omer and the Celebration of Israel’s Independence”
(updated and revised from Emor 5763-2003)

The counting of the Omer underscores the ultimate purpose of the Exodus from Egypt—the anticipation and excitement of receiving the Torah! Therefore, the period from the second day of Passover until the sixth day of Sivan, when the festival of Shavuot is celebrated, is counted with great enthusiasm. Counting the Omer is always done in ascending numerical order rather than descending order, underscoring its positive, joyous and optimistic nature--celebrating the victory of light over darkness, morality over immorality and love over hate.