From: Tobi Dear Rabbi, My sister has given birth to a boy, and we are wondering about the custom of what we’ve been told is called “Shalom Zachor”, which seems to be some type of home-welcoming for the baby held on Shabbat. What is the reason for this custom? Where is the ceremony held and[…]
From: Ari Dear Rabbi, With all due respect, is it necessary or encouraged to consult with a rabbi for everything? Can’t a person have some independence and make decisions for himself? And even if he ends up making the wrong decisions, he’d learn from his mistakes and at least develop the ability to make the[…]
From: Name Withheld Dear Rabbi, We are a Jewish couple with a two-and-a-half year old “chewish” dog that is our only “child.” She is very clean, very lovable and pretty well-behaved. My wife wants her to sleep in our room every night with us. I don’t think it’s appropriate. I think the bedroom should be[…]
From: Henry Dear Rabbi, I know there is a special mitzva on Purim to give to the poor, but I’m not sure why. What’s the connection between the poor and Purim, and what are some of the specifics on how the mitzva is to be performed. Thanks for your time. Dear Henry, One particular aspect[…]
From: Amy Dear Rabbi, I work for an Orthodox health care professional. I was wondering if the laws of “yichud” [the prohibition of a man and woman being together in private] apply in the workplace. I am asking because all day long the front door to the office is open and patients come through; however,[…]
From: Barbara Dear Rabbi, Are the statements from the late Rav Shach which sound anti-Chasidic in fact an expression of his opposition to Chasidism, or were they separate comments having nothing to do with the earlier, historical contentions of Mitnagdim and Chasidim which I thought had been resolved and were over? Dear Barbara, It is[…]
From: Miriam Dear Rabbi, We have neighbors in our building who unfortunately have a seriously disabled child. While I empathize with the family and how hard it must be for them, the child litters the building considerably but they don’t clean up after her. Since this is communal space that we all pay to keep[…]
From: Anthony Dear Rabbi, I have found Torah study to be very interesting and challenging. I have told my parents that I would like to take a year off from college in order to study in a yeshiva. They are opposed. They say that as far as the Torah is concerned, I am required to[…]