By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of June 4, 2010 / 22 Sivan 5770 In the last verse of their statement the spies say, “And there we saw the Nefilim, the sons of the [original] giant of the Nefilim. … more

Parshat Beha'alotcha By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 28, 2010/ 15 Sivan 5770 Bamidbar chapter 11 is an example of the aftermath of someone observing that everything is perfect and cannot get … more

Parshat Bamidbar by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 15, 2010/ 1 Sivan 5770 When one looks at synagogue décor, one often notices odes to the 12 tribes. The specific images on the stained … more

Parshat Behar-Bechukoti by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of May 7, 2010/ 23 Iyar 5770 “The Living Torah” is the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan’s translation of the Chumash. In addition to the … more

Parshat Emor By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of April 30, 2010/ 16 Iyar, 5770 “A newborn ox, lamb or goat remains with its mother for seven days. Then, after the eighth day, it shall be … more

Parshat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of April 23, 2010/ 9 Iyar, 5770 Media pundits and missionaries are famous for taking quotations out of context in order to promote their … more

Parsha Tazria-Metzorah by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of April 16, 2010/ 2 Iyur, 5770 This second week after Pesach always carries with it a cycle of emotions. Between the return to … more

Parshat Shmini by Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of April 8, 2010/ 24 Nissan 5770 Most blessings in the Torah are directed from either G-d to man or from man to G-d. There are a few exceptions, … more

Parshat Tzav By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 26, 2010/ 11 Nissan 5770 A child looks at the holiday table that always has a plump centerpiece with an ornate cover. The cover is lifted … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 19, 2010/ 4 Nissan 5770 The first three parashot in Vayikra are always a challenge to read, and even more so to teach. How can we honestly appreciate a … more