From: Gary Dear Rabbi, Is there any benefit to visiting deceased people at their grave? Since if anything is accomplished, it’s spiritual, does it matter that one is physically present at the place of burial. Anyway, after time there are no remains of the body in the ground. Why should we go there? Dear Gary,[…]
From: Shlomo Dear Rabbi, How come G‑d punished all the generations for the sins of Adam and Eve? The Torah says if the children do not continue with the sins of their fathers they will not be punished for those sins. Did their children continue the sins of Adam and Eve? And what about those[…]
From: Odelia Dear Rabbi, I have been religious now for several years. Lately, I have felt an urge to reconnect with some old friends of mine from before I became religious. I’m not sure why this is, and whether it’s a good thing or not. On the one hand, I feel that I’m in a[…]
From: Mordechai Dear Rabbi, How does one develop a relationship with G‑d? Aside from the technical aspect of learning and doing the mitzvot, how does one actually infuse the connection with content? Dear Mordechai, This is a very sensitive and perceptive question. I admire your sincerity and spiritual integrity. The Jewish belief is that, ultimately,[…]
From: Laura Dear Rabbi, What is the reason that we split the middle matza on Passover. Normally, we’re so careful to use whole loaves for Shabbat and Holiday meals. Thanks for clarifying. Dear Laura, Before answering why we do the matza split, the point you make about whole loaves is exactly why we use three[…]
From: Adam Dear Rabbi, Why is science so harmful and unharmonious with G‑d’s Creation? Would a Torah approach to science be better for the world? If so, shouldn’t Jews set an example by being a “Light unto the Nations” in this regard as well? Dear Adam, I don’t agree that science, per se, is harmful[…]
From: Gamliel Dear Rabbi, I was told that the coat worn by Litvish rabbis is called a “kapote”. Is there any difference between those worn by Litvaks, and those worn by Chasidim – e.g., Lubavitch, Satmar, Ger – on weekdays? While I often see lay-Chasidim wearing long coats, I’ve rarely come across any pictures of[…]
From: Wanda Dear Rabbi, Would you please clarify for me what a woman’s obligations are in prayer? Is it the same as for men, or different? Might it vary depending on whether she’s single or married, with children or without? Dear Wanda, This is a very interesting question, with varying approaches in the classical commentaries[…]