Serious Celebration

Celebrate Rosh Chodesh Elul (the beginning of the month of Elul) with a special treat for yourself and share it with a friend.

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A Very Serious Woman

They called her “Battling Bella,” and Bella Savitsky Abzug (1920-1998) lived up to that nickname. Born in New York City to Russian Jewish immigrants, Bella earned an undergraduate degree…

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Shoftim 5775-2015

“Idolatrous Trees and Unqualified Judges” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shoftim, we learn of the prohibition of planting forbidden trees and erecting…

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Tzav 5766-2006

"Zevach Sh'lamim--Learning to Celebrate Life" Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Tzav, we learn of the Peace offering--Zevach Sh'lamim, that was brought as a…

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Emor 5772-2012

"Lessons from a Priest’s Wanton Daughter" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Emor, highlights the special status of the Kohanim, the priests, in the community of…

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Emor 5775-2015

“Distractions, Distractions!” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s Torah portion, parashat Emor, opens with an extensive series of laws regarding the conduct of the Kohanim, the…

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Shelach 5775-2015

“The Sin of the Spies--Revisited” By Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Shelach, we read of the sin of the scouts whom Moses sent out, at G-d’s behest, to scout…

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Breaking the Fast

Breaking the Fast Many people eat together and have little dinner parties, while some synagogues have “Purim Parties or…

Noah 5773-2012

"The Power of Unity" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Noah, is known primarily for the story of the flood that inundated the world in response to the evil…

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Vayeitzei 5776-2015

“Disclosing Personal Information For Shidduch Purposes” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Vayeitzei, Jacob, who is fleeing from his brother Esau, follows his…

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