By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 27, 2009 / 2 Nissan 5769 In his comment on Exodus 12:15, former Chief Rabbi of England Rabbi J.H. Hertz writes, “Leaven is the symbol of corruption, … more

Virtuous testimony By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 20, 2009 / 24 Adar 5769 After the debacle of the Golden Calf, the question must be asked: were the Israelites completely forgiven for … more

Karet: a separation from the community By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of March 13, 2009 / 17 Adar 5769 Of all Torah portions, Ki Tisa has the largest number of mitzvot that include a … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet There is a very subtle change in the way Megillat Esther refers to Haman’s family and advisors before he is disgraced leading Mordechai through the street on a horse, and how … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 27, 2009 / 3 Adar 5769 Parshat Terumah always begs the question: If the instructions for the Mishkan (Tabernacle/Sanctuary) were only for the single time and … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 20, 2009 / 26 Shevat 5769 In the Jewish life that we live, it is fair to say that we put a lot of stock in the teachings of the rabbis of old. Without their … more

A different perspective on Yitro By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 13, 2009 / 19 Shevat 5769 Rashi says Yitro had seven names (18:1). Some of the commentaries question this, because Reuel … more

Opinion By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 13, 2009 / 19 Shevat 5769 Relative to other surgeries, bris milah is a simple procedure, with a surprisingly low risk rate. At the same time, an … more

By Rabbi Avi Billet Issue of Feb. 6, 2009 / 12 Shevat 5769 If you’ve never read Virginian Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty or give me death” speech in its entirety, your time … more

Issue of Feb. 6, 2009 / 12 Shevat 5769 Pre-schoolers at Yeshiva of South Shore’s Hollander Early Childhood Center studied the 10 plagues in a hands-on, non-frightening way. They poured and … more