In our efforts to get closer to G-d in the days leading up to Rosh Hashana, every person employs a different strategy. more

In the Torah, there are a number of times when G-d uses the word v’natati (and I will place or give) to indicate what He will give to the Bnei Yisrael. Sometimes it is good, and in the cases in … more

In one of his Yom Kippur addresses, Rabbi Joseph Hertz expressed that “Avinu Malkeinu Chatanu L’fanekha” is the prayer most reflective of our Yom Kippur goals. In it, we recognize a few very important truths about our relationship with G-d, and about ourselves. more

Rabbi Yehuda Amital, the founding rosh yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion, was known to say at the beginning of the new cycle of the Torah: “I don’t understand anything in parshat … more

The Torah reading on the first day of Rosh Hashana began at the point when Sara is remembered. The Talmud tells us in several places that Sara and Rachel and Chana were all remembered on Rosh … more

The Yalkut Shimoni (Naso 6:710) raises an interesting non-halakhic debate between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon as to what was the motivation for becoming a Nazir. more

One of the more popular questions asked about Chanukah is why is it celebrated eight days if the miracle of the oil was only for seven days? Meaning, if the people who rededicated the holy Temple … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 7, 2009 /17 Av 5769 Abe and David were long-time study partners (chavrusas). One day Abe asked David to sign a document as a witness and was shocked when … more

Parshat Teruma By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of February 19, 2010/ 6 Adar 5770 In the construction of the tabernacle, the Aron (Ark), which contains the Torah, is to be covered with a kaporet … more

There are at least two reasons why Parshat Nitzavim is read before Rosh Hashana. First, it talks about teshuvah (repentance) (Biur Halacha 428: “9 Av”). Second, it serves as a buffer … more