From: Alan Dear Rabbi, I am very intrigued by the breast plate of the High Priest and was wondering whether it could be fashioned nowadays or whether it was only something of the past, or otherwise relevant only if there is a Temple or priestly service? Dear Alan, I agree that the High Priest’s breast[…]
From: Harry Dear Rabbi, What is the reason for wearing the white “kittel” at the Seder table on Passover night? Since we wear our festive best during the prayers, what’s the reason for changing into this relatively simple garment for the Seder? Dear Harry, Although it is a mitzva to adorn oneself on this night[…]
From: Nate Dear Rabbi, I am familiar with the custom to immerse in a mikva for Shabbat, and also for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. But is there such a custom for Passover? Dear Nate, The requirement to immerse in a mikva in preparation for the festivals is actually stronger than that for Shabbat. The[…]
From: Brian Dear Rabbi, It seems to me that the reason we search for bread is to remove it from the house. So I’m a bit perplexed as to why we intentionally hide pieces of bread around the house before the search. Any insights? Dear Brian, The purpose of the search is certainly to find[…]
From: Chaim Dear Rabbi, I have not had much interaction with rabbis. But recently I had an experience with one rabbi that was not so pleasant. I found him to be somewhat aloof and perhaps disinterested. Is there any religious reason why a rabbi might be this way, for example maybe to maintain a certain[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of Haman being hanged on a tree? Dear Melissa, The Sages taught (Ester Raba 9:2) that when Haman became infuriated with Mordechai for not bowing before him as everyone else did, his wicked wife Zeresh advised him to plot a death for Mordechai that none of his[…]
From: Brandon Dear Rabbi, What was the significance of the two angelic figures that faced each other on the Ark of the Covenant appearing as children? Dear Brandon, The two angelic figures you refer to, the “cheruvim”, were part of the lid of the Ark in which was placed the tablets of the Ten Commandments.[…]
From: Laura Dear Rabbi, There’s something that’s bothering me which I hope you can clarify. I’m uncomfortable with the strong emphasis on punishment and Divine retribution in the Torah. Does the reason for doing G‑d’s will have to be so based on fear? Can’t we serve G‑d out of love? Dear Laura, This is a[…]