From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, Let me say from the outset that I am Jewish, and proud of it. But when I see the way traditional Orthodox Jewish people dress, particularly the men, I am embarrassed. It looks so peculiar and out of place that I wonder why it has to be so? Couldn’t they dress[…]
From: Glenda Dear Rabbi, Could you please comment on the relationship between the Menora of the Temple and the menora of Chanuka? I know there are differences, but I can’t help from feeling there are similarities as well. Dear Glenda, One of the reasons that the Chanuka menora is so beloved is that it is[…]
From: Barry Dear Rabbi, I have a friend who insists that G‑d is the only source of healing. According to him, medicine and doctors have no real role in maintaining or restoring health. In fact, he says, rabbis and blessings are more beneficial. Can this possibly be the Jewish position? Clearly only natural causes and[…]
From: Mark Dear Rabbi, I was wondering about euthanasia and Jewish Law. I know that it’s wrong to murder, but this is an act of mercy, and wouldn’t euthanasia be like the verse that says to “love your fellow person as yourself”? Dear Mark, You are correct in your assumption that we are commanded to[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, Why are marital relations forbidden during a woman’s monthly cycle? Is it not a natural phenomenon? Should we abandon loved ones during a period of time when they are “undesirable” or have no reproductive function? Dear Melissa, The Torah states (Lev. 18:19): “To a woman during the uncleanness of her separation,[…]
From: Bernard Dear Rabbi, I am a believer in the importance of supporting Torah study in order to educate our youth and pass Torah education to the next generation. For that reason, I am a supporter of Torah institutions. Recently I found out that one of the programs I donate to is geared for students[…]
From: Jordan Dear Rabbi, What is Judaism’s view of how much a person may “indulge” in things of a worldly nature? I’m not really asking about pursuing physical pleasures, but rather obtaining material possessions. Is there anything wrong with acquiring material possessions just for the sake of having belongings if that makes one feel good?[…]
From: Avigail Dear Rabbi, I have a sensitive question. My friend and I have both recently become kallahs. I was engaged shortly before her and have been planning on a particular wedding date. She told me recently that she has been planning her wedding for the same date. Since we have many of the same[…]