Parashat Vayetze informs us that Rachel, like Sarah and Rivka before her, was barren. Finally, after many long years, the Torah states, “vayizkor Elokim et Rachel (and G-d remembered Rachel), … more

Parshat Toldos by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of November 20, 2009/ 3 Cheshvan 5770 One of the fun exercises I like to employ when studying Chumash is to attribute vague or ambiguous statements … more

Parshat Lech Lekha By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of October 15, 2010, 7 Cheshvan 5771 The word “Tardemah” — an unconscious state — appears only twice in the Torah: Bereishit 2:21 — … more

Every practical person who is about to open a retail store, and everyone in the market for a new home, knows how important it is to find the proper location for the new venture. The retail … more

From beginning to end, Genesis chapter 34, in this week’s parshat Vayishlach, tells a terrifying story. Dina, Jacob’s daughter — the only Jewish daughter mentioned in the entire … more

Before they went out of style, mother-in-law jokes were very popular. Have you ever heard of a father-in-law joke? I suppose if anyone were to author such a joke, it would be our forefather … more

The moment had come. Moses was about to die. He had seen his sister Miriam and brother Aaron pre-decease him. He had prayed to G-d — not to live forever, not even to live longer, but simply, … more

Parshat Korach By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of June 11, 2010/ 28 Sivan 5770 In general, the Torah portion gets its name from the first, second or third word of the parsha, unless the opening is … more

The book and parsha of Vayikra contain the specific essentials with regard to the laws and practices of the korbanot, the sacrificial offerings. And although we do not bring korbanot without a Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Torah views the bringing of korbanot as an important ingredient in one’s lifelong goal of getting close to G-d. more

Each generation of Jewish parents seems to face the same dilemma. We teach our children that all humans are created in the image of G-d; to respect and assist others; that love of G-d means love … more