The first chapter and a half that begins Parshat Eikev contains what we might describe as the opposite formula of the “Tokhachot/Rebukes” that appear in Bechukotai and Ki Tavo. In those … more

The first aliyah of Vaera, this week’s parsha, Vaera, concludes with a superfluous statement, one that has already been: “G-d [then] spoke to [both] Moses and Aaron. He gave them … more

Heads we win, tails we lose By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Sept. 19, 2008 When my oldest child began to talk, she was two months shy of her second birthday. It occurred to me that I could … more

When one reads through Shmot Chapter 12, it becomes quite clear that blood will play a significant role in bringing about the salvation of the Hebrew slaves at the midnight hour when Egypt will be struck its most devastating blow. more

The opening of our parsha contains narrative that seems inconsistent — “Yaakov” lives in Egypt, but the days of “Yisrael” are getting closer to his death. After asking Yosef to swear that the burial will not take place in Egypt and will take place in his family burial plot, “Yisrael” bows at the head of the bed. Time passes, and Yosef is told (by—?), “Your father is sick.” So he takes “his two sons with him, Ephraim and Menashe.” Someone (who?) tells “Yaakov,” “Your son Yosef is here.” So “Yisrael” strengthens himself and sits on the bed. more

T his week’s Torah portion, Vaetchanan, begins in the middle of Moshe’s explaining how, after he appointed Yehoshua as the next leader, he once again beseeched G-d for permission to … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of October 30th/ 12 Cheshvan 5770 Our community has a lot to say about the "shidduch crisis." First, we blame the singles themselves. Why can't young people … more

In good health Issue of September 3, 2010/ 24 Elul 5770 By Rabbi Avi Billet The gabbai has just called up two men. One will lift the Torah (hagbah) while the other will roll it, wrap it and … more

Last week I was privileged to teach a class about Mikveh to a group of non-Orthodox Jews. The first ten minutes of the class focused on the concepts of "tumah" and "taharah" and how every single-word or two-word "translation" of each word does not do justice to the discussion. more

“If you listen to God, He will keep his covenant with you. He will love you, He will bless you…” (7:13) And what does He want of you? “To walk in His ways, to love Him, and to serve” Him. (10:12) After all, “God desired to love your forefathers, and He chose their children” (10:15) to be His nation, to whom He gave His Torah and has asked of them filial devotion. He models this kind of love through “loving the stranger” (10:18), an expectation He commands and demands of you as well (10:19). more