The Ben Ish Chai
When Rabbi Yosef Chaim was 25 years old, his father, Chacham Eliyahu Chaim, leader of the Jewish community in Baghdad, passed away. Although young, Rabbi Yosef Chaim had already achieved…
Yesod-Foundation
The sixth week of Sefirat Ha’Omer, the counting of the days between Passover and Shavuot, is dedicated to the Sephirah of Yesod - Foundation. (For an explanation of the sephirot,…
Jewish Foundation in Science Fiction
In 1981, in his introduction to the science fiction anthology More Wandering Stars, Isaac Asimov pondered the question, “Can science fiction be part of Jewish culture?” As this was…
The Foundation Commandment
“I am the Lord your God.” These are the opening words of the first of the Ten Commandments. While these words do seem strange as a “commandment,” they are, in fact, the foundation of all…
Foundation Light
Light candles to mark the beginning of Shabbat. Click here to find out what time Shabbat starts where you are.
Vayigash 5763-2002
"Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers: The Triumph of Jewish Identity" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In a very real sense, the story of Joseph, as depicted in parashat Vayigash, is the…
My Father, Our Father
Many well-known Jewish songs are based on words from the Bible. While a vast majority of them are based on Tehillim (Psalms) one of the most famous is almost a direct quote from Genesis:…
My Father. Our Father
Many well-known Jewish songs are based on words from the Bible. While a vast majority of them are based on Tehillim (Psalms) one of the most famous is almost a direct quote from Genesis:…
Vayishlach 5771-2010
“The Power of a Vow” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In the second part of this week’s action-packed parasha, parashat Vayishlach, we read of Jacob’s return to Beth-El, the scene of his…
Balak 5782-2022
“How Goodly Are Your Tents O’ Jacob” (updated and revised from Balak 5764-2004) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, we read the dramatic story of the…