An unlikely reunion by Rabbi Avi Billet In light of last week's challenging "exchange" of soldiers Goldwasser and Regev for, among others, a murderer who does not deserve the treatment he … more

Parshat Pinchas By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of July 2, 2010/ 20 Tammuz, 5770 "Our father died in the desert" (27:3) claim the daughters of Tzlafchad as they build their case to earn his … more

In addition to being one of the more colorful characters in the Torah, Korach is even more colorful as he is portrayed in the Talmud and Midrash. A simple look at the commentaries brings one to understand his brilliant mind, his ability to twist Torah, mitzvot, and halacha to conform to his agenda of criticizing Moshe’s leadership (which is less apparent in the Torah) and Aharon’s role as Kohen Gadol, his primary objection. more

The contrast between the beginning of the book of Bereshit and our parsha is not only striking in terms of G-d’s vision for the world, but is even fascinating to compare on a textual level. more

The mid rash argues that a person who chooses not to go to a bet din is denying G-d’s role in the world, and ultimately His Torah, that instructs you to settle monetary matters “in-house.” more

Ever since the blessing given to the Tribe of Gad by Yaakov in the middle of Parshat Vaychi, Gad has been considered to be the greatest soldier, and set of soldiers, known to Israel. So well known … more

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

Rabbi Yerachmiel Yisrael Yitzchak of Alexander, Poland explained the following rabbinic passage in a most creative and instructive manner. The rabbis taught, “[Tzara’at] blemishes come upon a person on account of the sin of lashon hara” (Erachin 15b and other places). The rabbi of Alexander explained that those who speak Lashon Hara are often altruistic in intent. more

Pay close attention to all the words through which I warn you today [and] instruct your children to keep all the words … more

Though this week’s parsha begins with a story of Yitro, its chronological relationship with the rest of the Exodus narrative is debated by the commentaries. If we ignore this story for a … more