The Three Prayers
Our sages teach us that each of the three daily prayer services were established by one of the patriarchs and reflect the foremost character trait of that patriarch: Shacharit, the…
Shemini 5776-2016
“Good Intentions Gone Awry” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemini, we learn of the tragic deaths of Aaron’s oldest sons, Nadav and Abihu, who were punished…
Campaigning From The Periphery Or The Center?
There’s an adage in American politics, that candidates win their party’s primary by positioning themselves to the extreme, and win national elections by moving to the center. Should a…
Writing a Law For Freedom
Thomas Jefferson is renowned for being the author of the Declaration of Independence. But, this was only one of Jefferson’s many, many accomplishments. It is interesting to note that, per…
Writing a Law For Freedom
Thomas Jefferson is renowned for being the author of the Declaration of Independence. But, this was only one of Jefferson’s many, many accomplishments. It is interesting to note that, per…
Writing a Law For Freedom
Thomas Jefferson is renowned for being the author of the Declaration of Independence. But, this was only one of Jefferson’s many accomplishments. It is interesting to note that, per his…
Vayeira 5760-1999
"The Preciousness of Hospitality" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald As this week's parasha, parashat Vayeira, opens, aged Abraham, 99 years old, is sitting at the entrance of his tent in the…
Lech Lecha 5762-2001
"Understanding Ishmael" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Lech Lecha, we encounter the birth of Abrams's oldest son, Ishmael. The bible, in Genesis 15, tells…
Va'etchanan,Weekly Message,Tisha b'Av
Va’etchanan-Tisha B’Av 5762-2002
"Loving the Land of Israel" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week's Torah portion, parashat Va'etchanan, is an extremely rich parasha. The parasha opens with Moshe's plea to G-d to allow…