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 …
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5/27/09
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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 …
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5/19/09
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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 …
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5/14/09
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of May 8, 2009 / 14 Iyar 5769
In the laws of Rosh Hashana (Shulchan Arukh 581:1), the Rema says the leader of the services, the chazzan (cantor) must be 30 years old …
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5/6/09
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Distinctly sanctifying His name
By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of May 1, 2009/ 7 Iyar 5769
Over the course of one week, Jews around the world commemorate the destruction that was the …
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4/29/09
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of April 24, 2009 / 30 Nissan 5769
In Vayikra 13:33 and 14:8-9 we see instances of how people on the road to reassuming a status of “taharah” –– readiness to …
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4/22/09
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of April 10, 2009 / 16 Nissan 5769
Everyone knows the song: “Dai dai yay-nu, dai dai yay-nu…”
As much as we get into it, what is the meaning of this poem …
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4/13/09
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of April 3, 2009 / 9 Nissan 5769
Ask anyone, “What are the commandments one fulfills on the night of the seder?” The numerous negative commandments related to …
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4/1/09
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of March 27, 2009 / 2 Nissan 5769
In his comment on Exodus 12:15, former Chief Rabbi of England Rabbi J.H. Hertz writes, “Leaven is the symbol of corruption, …
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3/26/09
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Virtuous testimony
By Rabbi Avi Billet
Issue of March 20, 2009 / 24 Adar 5769
After the debacle of the Golden Calf, the question must be asked: were the Israelites completely forgiven for …
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3/18/09
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