Becoming a Rabbi

Today's Jewish Treats presents a history of “the Rabbi.” The basic definition of a rabbi is someone who has received rabbinic ordination from a respected rabbi or authorized…

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Va’eira 5766-2006

"Becoming Accustomed to the Burdens" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, the Al-mighty responds to Moses' complaint that his mission to Pharaoh…

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Behar-Bechukotai 5769-2009

"Impoverishment: In those Days, in these Times" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald Until the recent financial meltdown, it was difficult to conceive of impoverishment, especially in the Jewish…

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Devarim 5774-2014

“Moses: The Lonely Leader” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Devarim, opens the fifth book of the Torah, the book of Devarim, also known as Deuteronomy. Much of…

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Va’eira 5770-2010

"Shortness of Breath and Hard Works" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, opens with the Al-mighty's very moving declaration to Moses regarding His…

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Va’eira 5779-2018

"The Cups of Redemption" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Va’eira, contains the Torah’s source for the custom of drinking four cups of wine at the Passover…

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Shemot 5780-2020

Shemot 5780-2020 “Developing Commitment to Judaism: A Lesson from an Egyptian Prince” (updated and revised from Shemot 5760-1999)   by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's…

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Shemot 5760-1999

"Commitment to Judaism: A lesson from Moshe" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, we encounter one of the most challenging situations of…

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Shemot 5772-2012

“A Truly Moral Man Goes Out To His Brethren” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, we learn how Moses is saved from certain death after being placed by his…

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Shemot 5775-2015

"Moses--The Mysterious Early Years" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, the Torah reports that Moses, the Jewish child who was rescued by Pharaoh’s…

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