At least three words in our parsha, Nitzavim, could be defined as a “milah manchah” — a repeated word which Nechama Leibowitz Z”L would utilize to draw out a theme in a … more

Our parasha, Vayera, contains the first instance in history wherein an individual encounters the Almighty in an attempt to nullify a gezarah (verdict) of destruction promulgated against others. … more

We have all heard the comment, “They don’t make them the way they used to,” with reference to all sorts of things, usually tools and utensils. Despite all the technological advances … more

Parshat Ki Tzeitzi By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of August 20, 2010/ 10 Elul 5770 The "controversial" cover photo on the Aug. 9 issue of Time featured the face of a young Afghani woman whose … more

To be honest, that year, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to Chanukah, and hadn’t really had much time to think about it. Our armored battalion had recently come down from a few months up in Lebanon and, while I was thankful we would be spending the winter in Israel and not up in the freezing cold mountains of Lebanon, we were still in the process of overhauling the tanks; not a particularly enjoyable task. more

The washbasin and its stand were made of copper from the mirrors of the dedicated women who congregated at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting” (Shmot 28:8). There is much credit given to the women who donated their mirrors for the sake of the creation of the kiyor (washbasin). Who were these women? Why were they so special to the point of their being enumerated in such a fashion? more

Our parasha, Shoftim, contains the pasuk: “Be wholehearted (tamim) with the L-rd, your G-d.” (18:13) This English version reflects Rashi’s midrashically-based comment on our verse: … more

The first pasuk of our parasha, Yitro, states, “Now Moshe’ father-in-law, Yitro, the chieftain of Midian, heard all that G-d had done for Moshe and for Israel His … more

After introducing us to the concepts of not bringing an animal as an offering before it is eight days old, and after telling us that the animal and its parent (Rashi distinguishes between the … more

In July 2018, 12 boys, aged 11 to 16, were discovered and rescued with their 25-year-old soccer coach from a cave in Tham Luang, Thailand. They had entered the cave as part of a field trip but … more