Yom Kippur Bow

From: Allen Dear Rabbi, Why do we bow down on the floor during the Yom Kippur prayers, (I think we do it several times), which is something we never do during the rest of the year? Is there nothing idolatrous about this? Dear Allen, You are referring to a specific part of the chazan’s repetition[…]

Shade of Faith

From: Gary Dear Rabbi, Why is the holiday of Succot and the succah associated with happiness? Personally I view being exposed to the elements or other dangers to be unsettling, at the least. Dear Gary, The way of the nations is not the way of Israel. It is the way of most people to feel[…]

Tactical Teshuva

From: Marcia Dear Rabbi, I’m sure you’re familiar with the following phenomenon: Every year at Rosh Hashana time I make grandiose plans to improve myself but after all is said and done, I accomplish very little change. Could you help me with this? Dear Marcia, Sure I’m familiar with this, from personal experience, as most[…]

Valuable Lesson

From: Ryan Dear Rabbi, How important is it to clean up after oneself, particularly when someone else is paid to clean up after others, like in a restaurant or park? Dear Ryan, The Torah places great emphasis on both spiritual and material cleanliness. Material cleanliness includes preserving the environment and ensuring it remains as clean[…]

Under Oath

From: Dennis Dear Rabbi, I often hear people use the phrase “bli neder” which I understand means something like “without an oath”. I’m confused as to why people say this, when it applies and when not, and under what circumstances it’s supposed to be said. Not understanding this and trying to use the phrase myself[…]

Re-Quest

From: Nati Dear Rabbi, If I ask a rabbi a question and he gives me an answer that I’m not sure about, either because I’m not sure it’s correct, or it may not be the correct answer for me, or it may be too stringent when there is room for leniency, am I allowed to[…]