At the very beginning of his instructions about the construction of the Mishkan, Moshe says to the people regarding their terumah (donations), “Take from yourselves terumah to G-d, all …
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
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3/7/18
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Our parshiot, Vayakel-Pekudei, begin with the construction of the Mishkan (the portable desert sanctuary): “Moses called the whole community of the children of Israel to assemble, and he …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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3/7/18
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Who doesn’t like the smell of freshly made popcorn? Many years ago I remember reading a comic book (I think it was Richie Rich) in which a character was looking to have a popcorn smelling …
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
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2/28/18
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Although our parasha, Ki Tisa, contains numerous themes, it is preeminently associated with the Chet Haegel (the Sin of the Golden Calf). How could our ancestors could have participated in such a …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/28/18
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At least since the sixteenth century, Purim celebrations have included costumes and masquerade parties. Various explanations have been given.
The Purim story is replete with surprises. Things …
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By Rabbi Marc D. Angel
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2/28/18
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The final five pasukim of Parashat Tetzaveh focus our attention on the underlying purpose of the Ohel Moed:
“… at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting before the …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/22/18
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Anyone acquainted with the Torah reading we hear each Rosh Chodesh will find themselves in familiar territory as we read in this week’s parsha Tetzaveh (29:38-46) of the daily tamid offerings …
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
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2/22/18
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It was known as shavua Tirgolot, the week of training drills. It sounded pretty innocuous, but as it turned out, it was a week of hell.
The IDF prides itself on being prepared for any eventuality, …
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By Rabbi Binny Freedman
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2/22/18
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The most celebrated pasuk in our parasha, Terumah, is, “And they shall make Me a sanctuary (Mikdash) and I will dwell in their midst” (Shemot 25:8). It is followed by a great many verses …
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By Rabbi David Etengoff
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2/14/18
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One of the more destructive qualities of any leader, teacher, mentor is being hypocritical. Anyone who looks up to someone else can easily be disenfranchised when they catch the person they admire …
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By Rabbi Avi Billet
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2/14/18
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