From: Mark in a Yeshiva Dear Rabbi, I am in a yeshiva trying to learn as much as I can to catch up on years of not having known much about Judaism. However, I’m finding it very difficult, and even frustrating, that I’m not making as much progress as I’d like to. This really upsets[…]
From: Abraham in LA Dear Rabbi, Is it a mitzva to “guard” one’s hearing the way one is supposed to “guard” one’s tongue? Dear Abraham, Regarding the specific prohibition of spreading slanderous speech, the prohibition applies equally to the speaker as well as the listener. This means that one is not allowed even to “just”[…]
From: Shira in Chicago Dear Rabbi, I was wondering if it’s OK to do Valentine’s Day or if there’s anything about the day which is against Judaism? Dear Shira, First of all, formally the day is called Saint Valentine’s Day, which clearly shows the Christian, non-Jewish character of the day. Furthermore, like other Christian holidays,[…]
From: David Rose in Calgary Dear Rabbi, I practice Chinese medicine which includes fasting as one of the many methods of healing. I am wondering what the Jewish perspective on fasting is. Thank you. Dear David, Judaism posits that spiritual forces are at the root of everything physical. On a cosmic scale, this means that[…]
From: Samara Dear Rabbi, I understand that seven is an important number in Judaism. I have heard that there is a lot of spiritual meaning to the number seven. However, since according to Jewish belief, Creation was completed in seven days, I’m wondering if the number seven is viewed by Judaism as having any relevance[…]
From: Nick in Toronto Dear Rabbi, I heard that according to Jewish teachings, the Torah preceded Creation and was actually used as a blueprint through which G‑d created everything. Is this true and how can it be that the Torah which seems to say very little about Creation could actually be the blueprint for all[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, I own and run a kosher bakery in a small but growing religious Jewish community. I thought initially that the business would be a lot more lucrative than it has turned out to be. Sometimes it gets me down that I have to work such long, difficult hours to barely make[…]
From: Susan in Akron, OH Dear Rabbi, I will be moving into a new house in the near future. Is there any special dedication service for such an occasion? Dear Susan, Congratulations on your upcoming move. May you have a “yishuv tov” – meaning, may your dwelling be good. There is definitely an idea and[…]