The jobs of the Levitic families were spelled out in last week’s Torah portion, giving us the jobs of the Kehat family; now, moving into our parsha, we view depictions of the Gershon and Merari families. more

Parashat Behar tells us that “G-d said to Moshe at Mt. Sinai, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them that when you come to the land that I am giving you, the land will rest a … more

Parshat Va'era by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of January 15, 2010/ 29 Tevet 5770 How old was Moshe when he fled from Egypt in Chapter 2? Depending which Midrash you follow, he was either a … more

Due to their not (yet) having been translated by the Jewish publishing houses, much of the midrashic library is a treasure-trove of untouched gemstone mines. more

In the aftermath of a horrific tragedy in Israel, a comforting letter composed by widows of the murdered expressed a life-focus that appreciates the role G-d plays in their lives. Combine that … more

Chapter 18 of the Book of Vayikra contains a number of negative mitzvot — things we are not supposed to do. Many of the negative actions are labeled to’evot — an interesting … more

Due to their not (yet) having been translated by the Jewish publishing houses, much of the midrashic library is a treasure-trove of untouched gemstone mines. It is particularly fertile ground for … more

Parshat Emor By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of April 30, 2010/ 16 Iyar, 5770 “A newborn ox, lamb or goat remains with its mother for seven days. Then, after the eighth day, it shall be … more

Every time the United States considers a political or military confrontation with a foreign hostile nation, the liberal caveat is often emphasized that “we have no beef with the people of ___ - all we want to do is see this rogue regime ousted.” more

Prior to describing each of the garments of the priests, the Torah tells us, “These are the vestments that they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a knitted tunic, a turban, … more