Reb Yaakov

In traditional circles, leading rabbinic personalities are often referred to as gedolim, which can best be translated as “great ones.” Those who acquire this title are usually renowned…

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Moshe Sharett

Diplomat, writer and politician, Moshe Sharett (originally Shertok), the second Prime Minister of Israel, moved with his family to British Mandate Palestine from the Ukraine in 1908, when…

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Yom Kippur 5769-2008

"Difficult Transitions" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the last day of his life, Moses seals the new covenant with the People of Israel. According to the Midrash, the people then return…

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Vayeilech/Yom Kippur 5783-2022

“Difficult Transitions” (Updated and revised from Vayeilech/Yom Kippur 5769-2008) by, Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald On the last day of his life, Moses seals the new covenant with the People…

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Shemot 5762-2001

"The Circumcision of Eliezer: A Message for Busy Parents" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, Moshe emerges as the leader of Israel and begins the…

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Bamidbar 5760-2000

"The Risks of Being a Public Figure" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Bamidbar, we read a very intriguing verse (Numbers 3:1): "V'ay'leh tol'dot…

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Chukat 5761-2001

"Can Death Be Sweet?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's Torah portion, parashat Chukat, we learn of the death of Aaron at Mt. Hor. G-d speaks to Moshe and Aaron at the…

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Va’eira 5762-2002

"Can We Question G-d and Get Away With It?" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, opens with G-d's response to Moshe's complaint that things have…

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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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Sources Commentators

Abarbanel (1437-1508, Spanish statesman, philosopher and commentator) Israel Abrahams (1858-1925) Achad Ha’Am (Asher Zvi Hirsh Ginsberg, 1856-1927) AJOP (Association for Jewish Outreach…