By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 21, 2009 / 1 Elul 5769 There are many behaviors which the Torah describes as to’evot, translated as abominations or perversions. Other than in Acharei … 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

After the battle with Midian, the Torah tells us that the generals and captains, who were officers over the army’s divisions, approached Moshe. They said to him, “We have taken a census of the warriors under our command and not a single man has been lost!” (31:48-49) more

This idea was born out of a learning session I had with my daughter, Aliza. She gets a lot of credit for the direction into which this thought developed. The tale of the daughters of Tzlafchad is … more

After Moshe followed the instructions that made the waters of Marah drinkable, we are told, “There he taught them ‘chok u’mishpat’ and there he tested them.” The simple … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 15, 2009 / 21 Iyar 5769 As we close the book of Vayikra, a book with surprisingly sparse narrative, it is interesting to note the span of time that has passed … more

Having given all the instructions for the kohanim, in chapter 8 we see Moshe being given precise instructions to set the stage for Inauguration Day. In one of the most immediate cause and effect … more

Shavuot begins on Saturday night, and since one cannot begin preparing for the holiday before Shabbat ends anyway, the point being raised here about beginning Shavuot early is a non-issue in 2016. … more

Avimelekh, king of Gerar, is a tragic figure. He is a king, but is very insecure. He thinks his position allows him to do things no civilian could get away with, but every time he gets called on his … more

A major ill of our times is our inability to accept people for who they are. We often judge people based on exteriors or a one-time encounter. In describing the first of the two … more