From: Mr. Anon in England Dear Rabbi, How would you explain the dynamics of “da’at Torah” to a secular audience, many of them being total beginners as far as Jewish learning is concerned? By da’at Torah I mean the special insight that sincere and intense Torah study imparts to the leaders of the Torah community.[…]
From: Leah and Feigie Dear Rabbi, We heard there’s a concept not to wear clothing of someone who has passed away. Does this always apply, and to what types of clothing? Dear Leah and Feigi, Jews are allowed to wear the clothing of a deceased person, but there has arisen a widespread custom – based[…]
From: Amanda Dear Rabbi, Is there a concept of New Year’s resolutions in Judaism for Rosh Hashana? Thanks for your time! Dear Amanda, The answer is yes, and presumably even more so than in what’s generally associated with the non-Jewish New Year. For most who attribute significance to December 31/January 1, the celebrations of the[…]
From: Raphael Dear Rabbi, Would you please explain the concept of great rabbis being able to manipulate nature. For example, how was Moshe able to command the Sea to open before the Israelites? Or how were other great rabbis able to do such miraculous things, even if on a lesser scale than the parting of[…]
From: Manya Dear Rabbi, The three-week period of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash is always so depressing. There are so many don’ts, that I personally feel overwhelmed and overly-limited. Is there anything positive that can be done during this period to help us remember the Temple and stir up longing for its[…]
From: Mark Dear Rabbi, Would you please clarify if and under what circumstances one may kill insects or pests. On the one hand, it would seem that one should be able to do so. On the other hand, since these are G‑d’s creations, how can we justify taking life He’s given? Dear Mark, This is[…]
From: Rachel Dear Rabbi, I am trying to withhold judgment over the latest controversy in Israel regarding “racial” segregation in the Orthodox schools until I hear the “segregationists” point of view, which has been largely ignored by the general media. Would you be able to clarify for me what’s going on from your point of[…]
From: Barbara Dear Rabbi, An older relative of mine converted from Judaism to Christianity many years ago. I don’t think she did so out of theological reasons, but rather (without going into details) out of convenience. Now that she is getting on in years, I’m wondering what will be with her? Is there any point[…]