From: Mark Dear Rabbi, I have heard that the names for the months of the year are not from the Torah but rather were acquired during one of the exiles, so that Nisan is not the ‘real’ name of the month. What then is the Torah’s name for the month that Passover is in, and[…]
From: Masha Dear Rabbi, I don’t understand the notion of prophecy. How exactly does a person come to speak in the name of G‑d? Dear Masha, G‑d gave mankind the ability to apply intellect to gain information, understanding and knowledge of things not immediately apparent. In the ordinary plane, this involves the faculties referred to[…]
From: Sarah J. Dear Rabbi, I have a question. I was born into a family with a religious Christian father and a not so religious Jewish mother. Of course my mother taught me to follow Judaism and to only “help” my father celebrate Christmas, etc. When they were still together, my dad would teach us[…]
From: Dave Dear Rabbi, I find myself looking at what others have and being covetous about why they have it and I don’t. I realize I am judging other people and that this is a bad thing, but I find it very difficult to control. Can you please give me some practical advice about this?[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, I know that this is going to sound strange, but it is a question that I feel I have to ask. I get the impression that according to Judaism, spiritual beauty and physical beauty go together. I mean, an attractive physical appearance seems to reflect a certain degree of spiritual perfection.[…]
From: Shaun Dear Rabbi, I read that pregnant women should read things that are holy, and involve themselves in other holy activities. Now, what does a pregnant woman do if she is in grad school reading books that have really bad things in them, and watching videos in class with bad things in them? Dear[…]
From: Ben Cohen Dear Rabbi, I saw your response to a recent question on the “Shins” of Tefillin. I have a similar question on tzitzit: What is the significance of the strings, knots and windings on the fringes of the tallit? Dear Ben, The tzitzit are intended to remind us of the commandments and to[…]
From: Lisa Dear Rabbi, I have been dating to marry for a while. I finally met a guy who seemed like it could be it. We were serious enough to meet each other’s families. After I met his parents, he broke it off and told me that I didn’t act nicely around them since I[…]