From: Mordechai Housman Dear Rabbi, What is the source for the custom of putting notes into the Western Wall. I understand that it sort of “prays” for us while we are away, but if this is correct, what’s the source? Thank you. Dear Mordechai, Putting notes of prayer between the ancient stones of the Western[…]
From: Andreo in Mexico City Dear Rabbi, I see religious Jews in my neighborhood going to temple and I was wondering what it’s like inside? Is a gentile like myself allowed inside? What would I experience there? Dear Andreo, First let me explain some terms. The Hebrew word for the Jewish place of worship is[…]
From: Laura Dear Rabbi, How do we know that the Sabbath is in fact on Saturday and not on Sunday or Friday as observed by Christianity or Islam? Dear Laura, Interestingly, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) raises your question. The distinguished military leader Turnus Rufus asked Rabbi Akiva what makes the Sabbath special. Rabbi Akiva replied,[…]
From: Shaul in Jerusalem Dear Rabbi, We are supposed to believe that everything that happens to a person in life is from G‑d. Whether he is healthy, wealthy or has children and the like are all from G‑d who judges justly. If this is so, why should we pray to Him to change the portion[…]
The following are excerpts from correspondence between “Ask” and a young woman interested in converting to Judaism, published with her permission, which give an insight into some of the interesting, behind-the-scenes correspondence with various people with various interests in Judaism. From: Sarah in NE Dear Rabbi, My father’s side is either not religious or take[…]
From: Several Readers Several readers collectively raised many comments/objections regarding our recent article entitled Merry Wanna? I would like to present this canvass of opinion below, together with my responses. Dear Readers, Comment: Some commented that cigarette smoking is also addictive and should be prohibited for the reasons given regarding marijuana. Response: While cigarette smoking is[…]
From: Matt in DL Dear Rabbi, I am generally aware of the Jewish belief in the End of Days, but is it spoken about in the Torah, and how can we know what it will be like? Dear Matt, First, let me say that many great rabbis of modern times have said that we are[…]
From: Marc in Belgium Dear Rabbi, I’ve been looking over the Haggada and there is a section that is not so clear to me. The passage reads, “And it is this that has stood by our fathers and us, for not one alone has risen up against us to destroy us, but in all ages[…]