From: Andrea Dear Rabbi, Would you say that Judaism is an “optimistic” religion? Is there room for positive thinking within Judaism? Dear Andrea, I would say yes, Judaism is definitely an optimistic religion and positive thinking plays an important role in a Jew’s world view in general, and service of G‑d in particular. All the[…]
From: Joshua Dear Rabbi, I understand “Seder” means order, but I must admit, I find it very difficult to understand the order of the Seder. Could you please outline what it’s all about? Dear Joshua, You’re not the only one who has trouble seeing the order in the Seder. In fact, part of the Seder[…]
From: Moshe Dear Rabbi, Is it not enough to refrain from eating bread on Passover? Why do we make such an effort to remove bread products from our homes? Dear Moshe, Even if one fulfills all the mitzvot associated with Passover like eating matza and maror, telling the story of the Exodus in the Haggada,[…]
From: Carla Dear Rabbi, If G‑d told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved in Egypt but would be redeemed, then why did He exile them there in the first place? Dear Carla, This question is related to the essence of the month of redemption itself, Nisan. One who experiences redemption has emerged from darkness[…]
From: Dennis Dear Rabbi, I will be moving into a home that is presently occupied by Jewish people. I know that a leaving resident cannot take down the mezuzot and leave the house without mezuzut when he knows that the new occupants are Jewish. The seller called me to ask me to bring 9 mezuzot[…]
From: Scott Dear Rabbi, I understand why we are to drink wine on Purim, but why is it important to eat a special meal? Dear Scott, One reason is that the decree of Achashverosh and Haman was directed against the “body” of the Jewish People. There was no interest or attempt to uproot the Jews[…]
From: Ira Dear Rabbi, I saw a website that sells mitzvot like feeding the poor, visiting the sick, providing the needs of a bride and groom, mezuza, bar mitzva, kollel study, etc. Is this kosher? Approved? A loophole? Is this what G‑d wants us to do? The idea that a wealthy person could just shell[…]
From: Sean Dear Rabbi, I will be making an international flight where I expect to be praying on the plane. While I’ve never actually done it, I’ve seen others doing it and I’m kind of intrigued by the idea of praying so high in the sky. However, I seem to remember wondering as I watched[…]