Shortly after the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, the Torah tells us that Moshe “announced to Aaron and ‘his surviving sons,’ telling them to take the remainder of the meal offering … more

When the war with Midian did not originally go as planned, the Torah told us (31:14) that Moshe — normally a humble person with a checked demeanor — was powerful, resolute and strong, declaring that is war there no place for softness and for giving in and forgiving. more

When the three men/angels come to visit Avraham, the Torah describes the food that Avraham offers — bread (18:5) followed by a meal (18:8). Many commentaries note how the Torah doesn’t … more

The calendar this year has us reading “Parshat Parah” (Bamidbar 19, which speaks of the Red Heifer) in the week following our reading of the tale of the Golden Calf (in Ki Tissa). Is … more

Tzlafchad’s daughters In memory of Aharon Hakohen, who loved everyone and pursued peace between people, whose yahrzeit is this Shabbos, the first day of Av. By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue … more

While much of the first part of Parshat Emor speaks of rules of the Kohanim, there is a greater theme in the Torah portion on the periphery to being a Kohen, and it has to do with the desecration of … more

On your days of rejoicing, on your festivals, and on your new-moon celebrations, you shall sound a note with the trumpets for your burnt offerings and your peace offerings. This shall be a … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 29, 2009 / 6 Sivan 5769 What significant moment from Jewish history is celebrated on Shavuot? The giving of the Torah, right? Wrong. Unlike other holidays … more

One of the fascinating aspects of actual Torah study comes in the subtlety of language. How a specific word (and sometimes even a single letter) is used opens the door to interpretation that is lost … more

Bundles of grain and stars bow down to Yosef. What does it all mean? In this week’s parsha, Vayeishev, Yosef relates his first dream to his brothers and tells his father about his second … more