From: Eric Dear Rabbi, We are taught that the value of Torah exceeds everything. In general, I feel that I do value Torah. But it’s hard for me to gauge what that means practically and how I might actually express that. Does it mean that I should be willing to live in poverty, or suffer[…]
From: Tal Dear Rabbi, A friend told me that there is no blessing in money that is earned on Shabbat. I understand that according to the Torah certain acts are prohibited, but how does that affect the money that’s earned through doing the acts? And more, one sees that work brings income, so more work,[…]
From: Marcella Dear Rabbi, I am involved in shidduch dating. I met a guy who seemed like he would be compatible, but after the first date I wasn’t so excited. I guess he’s more or less what I’m looking for, but the feeling I was hoping for isn’t there. The person who set us up[…]
From: John Dear Rabbi, Why do Jews, or at least religious Jews, have beards and not shave? Someone told me it was in order to get blessing. Is this the reason? Dear John, It is true that Jewish mystical sources discuss the beard in the context of blessing – either being a source of blessing[…]
From: Dina Dear Rabbi, What is the meaning of the mitzva of visiting the sick. Is it just to pay attention to the ill person, or does it have any curative effect on the person as well? Dear Dina, Visiting the sick is a specific form of doing chesed (acts of loving-kindness) with our fellow[…]
From: Aharon Dear Rabbi, Why wasn’t the Torah given in the Land of Israel? Since the Land was given by G‑d to the Jews to be a holy nation in their own Holy Land, wouldn’t it seem to make more sense for them to receive the holy Torah in such a holy place as Israel[…]
From: Gabe Dear Rabbi, Since the prayers were instituted by the rabbis of the Talmud did Jews not pray before that time? Or if they did, how? Dear Gabe, Before the Sages instituted the formal prayers we know today, Jews prayed according to the Torah. What does this mean? For one, when discussing the basis[…]
From: Manny Dear Rabbi, My parents passed away several years ago. For some reason, I can’t get myself to part from their house and belongings. My wife says I’ve made a museum of them and that it isn’t right, but she can’t articulate why. Can you help me understand what’s going on here and what[…]