On the Button

From: Phil Dear Rabbi, If a button unexpectedly pops off a garment on Shabbat, is it permitted to pick it up in order to save it to sew it back on after Shabbat, or does it become “muktze” and thereby forbidden to handle on Shabbat? I don’t see why it would be forbidden, but a[…]

Smacks of Slander

From: Melanie Dear Rabbi, There are two people I know who are not on good terms. In my opinion, one is the antagonist who makes up false accusations about the other. The antagonist, let’s call her A, was part of a group conversation where the other, let’s call her B, was mentioned. I took the[…]

Mitzva Exemption

From: Edward Dear Rabbi, There are many situations where one is in the midst of fulfilling one mitzva, when another mitzva then presents itself. For example, in the middle of prayer, someone asks for charity. Does one have to fulfill the second mitzva, or is he exempt on account of being involved in the fulfillment[…]

Miriam in Egypt

From: Maria Dear Rabbi, Thank you for answering my question about who Miriam was and the meaning of her name. I found your answer to be fascinating, and if you don’t mind I’d like to know more. Could you please tell me about her life and her role in the Torah? This is a continuation[…]

Miriam’s Name

From: Maria Dear Rabbi, I am wondering about Miriam. Who was she and what does the name Miriam mean? Dear Maria, Miriam was the daughter of Amram, the leader of the Israelites in ancient Egypt, and of Yocheved, who was so righteous she was exempt from the curse of Eve (Sota 12a). Both Amram and[…]