In Devarim 22:13-21, we find two related circumstances that are both very disturbing from a contemporary vantage point. The first concerns a man who marries a woman and then claims she was not a … more

The calendar this year aligned to have rosh chodesh at the beginning of the week, and the celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday — Yom Ha’Atzma’ut — in the same week. … more

By the time Yaakov dies at age 147, in parashat Vayechi,his sons range in age from 62 (Reuven) to 56 (Yosef, Zevulun, and possibly Asher), to around 48 (Binyamin). As we know how old Yosef is … more

For several decades, Israel’s enemies have actively and willfully defamed the Jewish state by comparing its actions to the atrocities committed by the worst villains in recent … more

After Moshe and Aharon are reunited and they convince the nation of Israel that they were sent by G-d to redeem them, they declare before Pharoah, “Send My nation to celebrate for me in the … more

In the frenzy of last weekend, with many shuls shutting their doors, many of us were faced with the prospect of experiencing Shabbos in a way we had not before. Going to shul was off the table, so … more

Arguably the most enigmatic of the names of Rosh Hashana is Yom Hazikaron. What is being remembered and who is remembering? When we read through the selichot, particularly those of the Aseret … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Oct. 31, 2008 / 2 Cheshvan 5769 Reading the story of the dispersion at the beginning of chapter 11, it is hard to see where the people went wrong. In the words … more

This may seem trivial. And to be honest, I may be completely wrong. But I can’t help thinking there’s something deeper behind the names Avraham and Yitzchak seem to give to the city where they each forge a treaty with Avimelech. more

“If a person (‘man’ here is generic) opens a pit, or uncovers a pit, and leaves it uncovered (when not working on it), and an ox or donkey fall into it, the owner of the pit (e.g. the one who opened it) must pay money to the owner of the animal, and the [animal’s] carcass belongs to him.” (21:33-34) Rashbam spells out the debate regarding to whom the carcass belongs – to “who” does “him” refer? more