Rabbi Avi Billet
602 results total, viewing 421 - 430
According to my Concordance, the root word “kosher” appears three times in the Bible (in Esther and Ecclesiastes) – not once in the Torah. more
There are differences of opinion as to the origin of the word Afikoman--the most common suggestion I’ve seen is that it is a Greek term--and, as far as its translation goes, while it is not entirely clear, it is largely considered to mean “dessert.” more
Whenever I come across the word "v'nikhrita" (and he/she/they will be cut off from the Jewish people) in the Torah, I marvel over where such a notion stands in the 21st century world that defines how we live. more
The third book of the Torah begins with Moshe being called by God from the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting, a.k.a the Mishkan/Tabernacle). While for us readers it is not unique for Moshe to be called, there is something strikingly odd about Moshe being the only one who is called. more
The calendar this year has us reading "Parshat Parah" (Bamidbar 19, which speaks of the Red Heifer) in the week following our reading of the tale of the Golden Calf (in Ki Tissa - last week's parsha). Is there a connection? 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
There are four times in the Torah when the people are instructed to “take” an item or material for a purpose which is then described, using the Hebrew word “v’yikchu” (with a shva under the vav) – meaning, “and they will take.” more
Priorities; sometimes, we need to take a step back and appreciate the things that are really important in life, if for no other reason than the opportunity it affords us to take note of the things that occupy so much of our time that really aren’t so important…. more
In the descriptions of three of the elements of the to-be-constructed mishkan, the Torah includes the phrase “as you saw/were shown in the mountain.” more
Chapter 24 describes the immediate events preceding Moshe’s trek to the mountain for forty days and nights. Aharon, Nadav, Avihu and the seventy elders accompany Moshe as he is about to commence his hike up the mountain. more
« Prev | 1 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 61 | Next »