By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Nov. 7, 2008 / 9 Cheshvan 5769 When we were first introduced to Noach last week, we were told that he was righteous and “Tamim,” perfect or complete. … more

Tisha B’Av is a date on the calendar most noted by observant Jews. Differently affiliated Jews generally confine their annual Jewish fasting to Yom Kippur. The concept of sadness or a connection to the darker side of our people’s history is by no means exclusive to any group. History’s enemies of the Jewish people (some of whom continue to make history now) never differentiated between how people practiced their Judaism, as much as they obsessed over the fact that Jews identified as Jews. more

At the beginning of Chapter 24, the Torah informs of us of Bilaam’s third attempt to curse the Israelites – which will once again turn into a blessing, in this case, the most famous of the three. “When Bilaam realized that G-d desired to bless Israel, he did not seek out the occult forces (“nechashim”) as he had done before. Instead, he set his gaze toward the desert. When Bilaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel dwelling at peace by tribes, G-d’s spirit was on him.” more

When it came time to find a wife for Yitzchak, Avraham, in this week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, was very clear in his instructions to his servant. He makes him swear “that you will not … more

Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 12, 2010/ 26 Adar 5770 With all the talk about the Divine Inspiration given to Betzalel and Oholiab, we almost forget that many … more

G-d tells Moshe, “I have separated the Levites from the [other] Israelites so that they may take the place of all the firstborn (who initiate the womb) among the Israelites, and the Levites … more

“They came to the Tzin Desert, and the people stopped in Kadesh. It was there that Miriam died and she was buried there.” (20:1) This is all the Torah has to say about Miriam, whose death was comparable to Moshe’s (Baba Batra 17a), Aharon’s, and even Avraham’s, on account of all them utilizing the word sham (there), which even appears twice here (Menachem Recanati on this verse). more

Anyone acquainted with the Torah reading we hear each Rosh Chodesh will find themselves in familiar territory as we read in this week’s parsha Tetzaveh (29:38-46) of the daily tamid offerings … more

“Hi, good morning, I just wanted to note the Oct 12th paper ‘The crouching sin,’ by Rabbi Avi Billet was outstanding, outstanding, loved it and spent the whole week talking about it, debating it, he’s wonderful, loved it, thank you. That’s it.” Editor’s note: It was delightful to have received this voice message, but the caller didn’t leave her name or her phone number. Please be back in touch. more

I don’t care very much to compare women and men simply because I think the comparison isn’t fair. Human we all are, but other than the obvious physical differences, I believe that the natural differences that come from being different genders make comparisons ill-conceived. It’s almost like comparing a tennis player to a soccer player, wondering which is a better athlete. more