One of the more fascinating family relationships in the Torah surrounds that of Yaakov with his wives, and that of the wives themselves with one another. The following discussion of parsha Vayetze is … more

Parshat Vayishlach by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of December 4, 2009/ 17 Kislev 5770 Our tradition maintains that one merit Yaakov had over his father and grandfather is that all of his sons … more

Parshat Balak by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of June 25, 2010/ 13 Tammuz, 5770 One of the most difficult things for people to say is “I was wrong.” It is even harder to say, and really mean, … more

The Jewish movements that changed the face of Jewry in the 19th and 20th centuries raised serious concerns about the nature of the Torah and how it stands the test of time. Many of the mitzvot of the Torah, for example, are not applicable in our day and age – highlighted by the lack of a Temple in Jerusalem. more

Shabbos meals- no children allowed...? By Rabbi Avi Billet The best thing about Shabbos, a friend of mine says, is that it guarantees him two or three meals a week with his family. He can … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 28, 2009 / 8 Elul 5769 Here is a contradiction for you. The Torah commands that if a person happens to come across a bird nest with a mother bird sitting … more

Sarah dies, and Avraham approaches the local Hittites and asks to speak to Ephron ben Tzochar, “that he should give me to me the Machpelah cave at the edge of his field, for its full price, … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 22, 2009 / 28 Iyar 5769 The book of Numbers (Bamidbar) begins with a series of countings of various segments of the population. Most of the tribes had their … more

Pesach always brings back images of blood — blood as a sign on the doorpost, that is. The Shakh, in his commentary on Parshat Bo, claims the blood that was placed on the doorposts was a combination of the blood of the lamb and blood gathered in a major circumcision festival that was necessary to allow people to partake of the Korban Pesach (Paschal lamb). more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 6, 2009 / 12 Shevat 5769 If you’ve never read Virginian Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech in its entirety, your time … more