From: Yehoshua Dear Rabbi, Is there any problem with eating olives? Is there any need to eat olives with olive oil? I have heard that there is some problem with eating olives and memory. Is there a source for all this? Dear Yehoshua, The Talmud (Horayot 13b) says, “There are five things which cause one[…]
From: Josh Dear Rabbi, I was wondering, with all the dangers and threats against Jews nowadays, whether it’s worth going to shul, which is a place that is more likely to be targeted? Would it not be better to pray at home, or to organize unofficial minyans that would be less conspicuous? Dear Josh, I[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, A friend of mine and myself lead learning sessions and talks to students who are newly interested in Judaism. I feel a certain sensitivity about who goes first or who seems to get a better reaction from the audience. I know that competitiveness can play a role in increasing Torah knowledge,[…]
From: Michael Dear Rabbi, I received a pair of tefillin from my grandfather (of blessed memory) when I became a bar mitzva about ten years ago, and now I’ve started wearing them regularly. Since he was a religious man, do I have to check that they’re kosher, or can I rely on the fact that[…]
From: Gary Dear Rabbi, I find that I have a problem with arrogance. Is there anything you can tell me that might help me work on this shortcoming? Dear Gary, Interestingly enough, in your very question you admit to being flawed. Isn’t that humbling enough? A man once went to the Kotsker Rebbe with a[…]
From: Allen Dear Rabbi, Is it acceptable that a Jewish man or woman become observant because of their desire to marry someone they know that is already observant? Is there any problem with the possibility that they might not be sincere? Dear Allen, If the person is Jewish, he or she is obligated to be[…]
From: Ira Dear Rabbi, I recently read an article that made the following point: Many Orthodox men wear spectacles. It was once assumed that it was strain brought on by the long hours of study in the yeshiva, or Torah schools, that affected the eyesight of so many Haredi men. However, a study in Israel[…]