Is There Jewish DNA?
Do you remember learning about genes and DNA, about inherited traits and about Gregor Mendel’s pea plants? It has long been known and accepted as a scientific fact that each person’s DNA…
Sarah’s Whereabouts Determine Jewish Law
Parashat Vayeira begins with Abraham convalescing after his circumcision. Unexpectedly, he sees three “visitors,” whom the Midrash identifies as angels, come toward his home. Excited to…
Purim Story 2.0: the First Jewish Defense Outside of Israel
The Scriptural story how Queen Esther saved the Jews of the Persian Empire is one of the greatest and most exciting stories ever told. Jews worldwide celebrate the festival of Purim…
Sarah’s Whereabouts Determine Jewish Law
Parashat Vayeira begins with Avraham convalescing after his circumcision. Unexpectedly, he sees three “visitors,” whom the Midrash identifies as angels, come toward his home. Excited to…
Is There Jewish DNA?
Do you remember learning about genes and DNA, about inherited traits and Gregor Mendel’s pea plants? It has long been known and accepted as scientific fact that each person’s DNA…
Jewish Genetics
The fact that one’s genetic code is a combination of the DNA one inherits from both mother and father is a basic lesson of high school biology. According to traditional Jewish…
A Convert of the Inquisition
The first auto-de-fe (live human burning) of the Spanish Inquisition took place in 1481. The Inquisition was not, as many believe, an institution set to destroy the Jewish people, but…
Lech Lecha 5774-2013
"Setting the Stage for the Jewish Future" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, the Torah tells of the exploits of Abraham and Sarah. The remarkable…
Bishop Bodo
Some of the most interesting figures of history may be discovered in obscure historical references. For instance, few have heard of Bishop Bodo (c. 814 - 876), but his fascinating story…
Shemot 5771-2010
“Pharaoh’s Three Counselors” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, the intense suffering of the Israelites in Egypt begins. The rabbis of the Midrash are…