At least three words in our parsha, Nitzavim, could be defined as a “milah manchah” — a repeated word which Nechama Leibowitz Z”L would utilize to draw out a theme in a … more

Parshat Ki Tzeitzi By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 20, 2010/ 10 Elul 5770 The "controversial" cover photo on the Aug. 9 issue of Time featured the face of a young Afghani woman whose … more

The washbasin and its stand were made of copper from the mirrors of the dedicated women who congregated at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting” (Shmot 28:8). There is much credit given to the women who donated their mirrors for the sake of the creation of the kiyor (washbasin). Who were these women? Why were they so special to the point of their being enumerated in such a fashion? more

After introducing us to the concepts of not bringing an animal as an offering before it is eight days old, and after telling us that the animal and its parent (Rashi distinguishes between the … more

Virtuous testimony By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 20, 2009 / 24 Adar 5769 After the debacle of the Golden Calf, the question must be asked: were the Israelites completely forgiven for … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of July 3, 2009 / 11 Tammuz 5769 Imagine a group of strangers knock on your front door. They seem imposing. But they are nonetheless polite and assure you they mean … more

The shofar sounding last Sunday began the wake-up call of the month of Elul that reminds us that Rosh Hashana will soon be upon us. The commentary of Rabbeinu Bachya on the coming parshas has found … more

How old was Moshe when he fled from Egypt in Chapter 2? Depending which midrash you follow, he was either a teenager, 20, or 40. No matter which approach we follow, he spent at least 40 years in … more

As the Torah depicts the instructions for the vessels of the Mishkan, each item has very detailed instruction pertaining to its particular structure. The Ark, for example, is relatively easy to … more

And he sent the raven, which went back and forth until the water dried up from upon the land. And he sent the dove from being with him, to see whether the water had lowered from being on the … more