Half Shekels For Purim

It is customary to give three half-shekels (or half-dollars in the U.S) at the synagogue before the evening Megillah reading on Purim (2/27/2010). Three half-shekels are given because the…

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Half Shekels For Purim

It is customary to give three half-shekels (or half-dollars in the U.S.) at the synagogue before the evening Megillah reading on Purim (2/27/2010). Three half-shekels are given because…

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Kee Tisah 5767-2007

"Making Each Person Count" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, Parashat Kee Tisah, we read of the machatzit ha'shekel, the half shekel that was donated by all adult male…

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Behar-Bechukotai 5773-2013

"The Value of a Woman" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In parashat Bechukotai, the second of this week’s double parashiot, Behar-Bechukotai, we learn of the laws of valuations--the practice…

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Pekudei 5779-2019

"Honesty and Integrity in Public Life” (Revised and updated from Pekudei 5760-2000) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week’s parasha, parashat Pekudei, the Torah portion begins…

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Pekudei 5760-2000

"Honesty and Integrity in Public Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, Parashat Pekudei, the Torah portion begins with an accounting of the amounts of gold,…

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Naso 5771-2011

"Finding Variety in the Seemingly Identical" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Naso, is the longest parasha of the Torah. It is usually read on the Shabbat that…

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The Transparency of a Conjunction

One of the hallmarks of personal integrity, is financial accountability and transparency. It behooves religious organizations, as ethical role models, to exhibit the highest level of…

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Purim

Happy Purim! The megillah is read the evening of and during the day on The time of year has come again – Purim festivities! A smile instantly jumps to your face as…

Mishpatim 5777-2017

“Majority Rule " This week’s parasha, parashat Mishpatim, is one of the most content-rich parashiot in the entire Torah. Mishpatim, which literally means “laws” or “rules,” serves as the…

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