Eisav’s head and self preservation By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Jan. 9, 2009 / 13 Teves 5769 Ask any school child above age eight, “Who is buried in the Cave of … more

After the Torah describes the order and population of how the Israelites traveled in the desert, we are told of how the tribe of Levi was not counted with everyone else, nor did they travel amongst the people. Their camp was around the Mishkan, and their jobs focused on breaking down, carrying and reconstructing the Mishkan as per the travels of the nation. more

G-d’s clear indirect message By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Oct. 3, 2008 For the parsha with the fewest number of verses in the Torah, Vayelech is quite busy. (Nitzavim has 10 more … more

It is time to set the record straight. The undertaking of this column each week is often driven by a desire to find new approaches to oft-repeated ideas in the Torah. By “new” I mean “not the way you’ve been learning it since second grade.” more

Last week’s Torah portion concluded with Moshe telling the people what will happen when they enter the Promised Land. Owing to the terrible deeds of the inhabitants of the land, G-d had decided … more

We are well aware of the ages of Yosef and Yaakov in their journeys through Egypt. Yosef was 17 when he was sold, 30 when he stood before Pharaoh, and 39 when his brothers came to Egypt looking … more

There’s a strange phrase that repeats itself several times in this week’s parsha, Vayikra. “If a person sins … and does one of the commandments of G-d that one is … more

Parsha by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of September 22, 14 Tishrei 5771 In Vayikra 23:34, Parshat Emor, the Torah tells us that “on the 15th of the seventh month, we will celebrate the festival of … more

In the battles that round out the end of Parshat Chukat, Moshe and the Israelites defeat Sichon and Og, and their respective nations. Before the battle with Og, Moshe is told by G-d not to fear for “I have given him into your hands.” (21:34) more

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba 11:6) records a strange narrative surrounding the appointment of Aharon and his sons as the Kohanim. more