When Tzafnat Pane’ach reveals his true identity to his brothers, he says “I am Yosef. Is my father still alive?” (45:3)Speechless, the brothers say nothing, forcing Yosef to … more

Shortly after Yosef is given his new title, he is introduced to his new wife: Asenath bat Poti Phera, the priest of On. Pharoh, King of Egypt, was the shadchan. As Yosef was not really given a chance … more

Parshat Vayera by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of October 22, 2010/ 14 Cheshvan 5771 Avraham has three visitors. Two of them go on to Sodom to destroy the city and save Lot. When … more

Parshat Lech Lekha By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of October 15, 2010, 7 Cheshvan 5771 The word “Tardemah” — an unconscious state — appears only twice in the Torah: Bereishit 2:21 — … more

Parshat Noach by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of October 8, 2010/ 30 Tishrei 5771 From Adam until Noach, only two individuals do not reach the lofty age of 900 or its vicinity (Mahallel lived … 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

Yom Kippur by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of September 17, 2010/ 9 Tishrei 5771 A very experienced rabbi once told me that for Neilah, the last chapter of Yom Kippur — the final prayer, the … more

Rosh Hashanah by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of September 10, 2010/ 2 Tishrei 5771 Arguably the most enigmatic of the names of Rosh Hashanah is Yom Hazikaron. It is the concluding phrase of most … 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

Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of September 3, 2010/ 24 Elul 5770 This Saturday night, the Ashkenazic communities begin to say Selichot in preparation for Rosh Hashana. … more