Corrie ten Boom
Today, April 15, is the date of both the birth and death of Cornelia “Corrie” Arnolda Johanna ten Boom (1892-1983), who was honored in 1967 as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations.”…
Kee Teitzei 5775-2015
“When a Brother Dies Childless” In this week’s parasha, parashat Kee Teitzei, we learn the law of the “levirate marriage,” known in Hebrew as יִבּוּם, “Yee’boom.” "Yee’boom" is the…
Boom! Flash!
There’s nothing quite as spectacular on a hot, humid summer day as a thunderstorm. Thick clouds gather, heavy winds blow and a “show” is presented that stimulates all of our senses. A…
Vayigash 5766-2006
"And Judah Approached" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Vayigash, Judah approaches Joseph, the all-powerful viceroy of Egypt, to plead with him on behalf of his…
Vayigash 5772-2011
"Joseph and Judah: A Confrontation for Posterity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, we read of the dramatic and powerful confrontation between Judah and Joseph. (For an…
Coming to California
When we think of California today, we think of perfect weather, beautiful beaches and Hollywood stars. Before these modern dreams, however, California was a land of wild settlers who had…
Korach 5776-2016
“Givers and Takers" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Korach, we read of Korach’s rebellion against G-d and Moses, and the devastating end that Korach meets…
Lech Lecha 5776-2015
“What’s in a Name?—a Change of Destiny” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, we read of two major covenants that G-d sealed with Abram (his name had not yet been changed…
Naso 5768-2008
"Carrying the Ark" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Naso, we learn that the completed Tabernacle was sanctified and inaugurated for its first use. In order to…
Eikev 5771-2011
"Finding the Greatness of G-d in His Humility" Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, Moses continues his valedictory address to the Jewish people. In one of the most powerful…