Sorcerers Beware

In Sanhedrin 67b, Rabbi Ashi states that he saw “Karna’s father blow his nose violently and streamers of silk issued from his nostrils.” Some magic tricks really do stem from ancient…

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Va’eira 5765-2005

"Teaching a New Reality About Divine Power Through The Ten Plagues" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Va'eira, we learn of the first seven plagues that…

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Shemot 5765-2004

"In the Merit of Miriam" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this coming week's parasha, parashat Shemot, we learn of the oppression of the Israelites at the hands of the Egyptians, as well…

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Balak 5772-2012

“Balaam, the Sorcerer, Becomes a Prophet” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week’s parasha, parashat Balak, we read of how Balak, the Moabite king, hired the pagan prophet, Balaam, to…

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Chol Hamoed Pesach 5764-2004

"With G-d as Our Partner" by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald This Shabbat, instead of the regular Torah portion, Exodus 33:12-34:26 is read, which makes references to the "13 Attributes of G-d's…

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Shemot 5778-2017

“The Missing Years in the Life of Moses” by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald   In this week’s parasha, parashat Shemot, we read of the enslavement of the Jewish people and the birth of…

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Mikeitz 5773-2012

"Two Long Years in Joseph’s Life" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This week’s parasha, parashat Mikeitz, opens two years after Joseph had successfully interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s…

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Balak 5768-2008

"The 'Mazal Tov' Conundrum" by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald In this week's parasha, parashat Balak, Balaam, the prophet to the nations, offers a series of four prophecies. The first three…

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Passover 5783-2023

“With G-d as Our Partner” (updated and revised from Chol haMoed Passover 5764-2004) by Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald This Shabbat, Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach, the regular Torah portion,…

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