Parshat Bamidbar by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 15, 2010/ 1 Sivan 5770 When one looks at synagogue décor, one often notices odes to the 12 tribes. The specific images on the stained … more

Every time we consider a conversation between G-d and Moshe, the absurdity of the concept of Moshe "teaching" G-d something, becomes apparent. more

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

Here’s a good Torah trivia question: How do we know there was a river flowing down Mt. Sinai? Because it says so in the Torah (Devarim 9:21). In the context of describing the events … more

When one breaks down Devarim 23:24, properly, according to its cantillation marks, a proper translation could be “What has come out of your lips you must keep and carry out (or “do”); as you have vowed to Hashem your G-d a gift, that you have spoken with your mouth.” more

In his effort to transmit a lasting imprint on the generation entering the Promised Land, Moshe reminds them of some of the events that defined their nationhood. Among these was the episode of the … more

The first narrative in the book of Vayikra describes the eighth day of the dedication of the Mishkan, culminating with the deaths of Nadav and Avihu and the aftermath of that … more

For the parsha with the fewest number of verses in the Torah, Vayelech is quite busy. (Nitzavim has 10 more verses, but it takes up less space in the Torah.) Between warnings of bad that may … more

Aheteronym in the Torah appears in three contexts which have too many parallels to be ignored. The prophetess Miriam (M-R-Y-M) appears on the scene to sing about the splitting of the sea, and then we … more

Parshat Beshalach by Rabbi Avi Billet January 29, 2010/ 14 Shvat 5770 The first mishnah in Rosh Hashanah says there are four “Rosh Hashanahs” in the year for different calendar events. … more