From: Yra Harris Dear Rabbi, Does G‑d have free will? Dear Yra, Yes, G‑d has free will. G‑d chose to create, when to create and how to create. G‑d chooses to maintain and regulate all that exists every moment. This involves myriad, changing considerations at all times, and G‑d considers them all instantaneously, deciding according[…]
From: Susan in London Dear Rabbi, I was at a religious wedding where I noticed the groom break a glass with his foot, then everyone said, “Mazal tov!” I asked someone what’s the meaning behind breaking the glass. She said it’s in commemoration of the Holy Temple that was destroyed. It seems strange to me[…]
From: Sarah in Atlanta Dear Rabbi, I have heard that the term “Breishit bara Elokim” does not mean as is commonly translated, “In the beginning G‑d created”, but rather “In the beginning of G‑d’s of having created”. This is supposed to imply that rather than existence coming into being at the time described in the[…]
From: Sam in L.A. Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of the different sacrificial offerings that were offered during Succot? Why are they different each day, and does the fact that there were seventy mean anything? Thanks. Dear Sam, The Torah prescribes special sacrifices for each of the days of Succot (Nu. 29:13-20). On the[…]
From: Anat in Israel Dear Rabbi, In connection with Yom Kippur, I have seen the term “tefilla zaka”. It seems to mean “pure prayer”. Is this a general way in which we are to pray, or does it refer to a specific prayer in the service. If so, what is it, when do we say[…]
From: Arthur in Chicago Dear Rabbi, Since in addition to being the beginning of the New Year, Rosh Hashana is also the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, why don’t we say “hallel” on Rosh Hashana as on other days of Rosh Chodesh? Dear Arthur, Good question. Since Rosh Hashana is the Day[…]
From: Susan in Norfolk, Virginia Dear Rabbi, As a newly religious, single person, I am often a guest at different people’s houses for Shabbat meals. Regarding the washing after the meal before bentching, I have noticed different customs which I don’t quite understand. Some families do it, others don’t. Why? And even harder to understand[…]
From: Monica in Israel Dear Rabbi, During this period of mourning over the destruction of the Temple, I was wondering if it permissible to go up to the Temple Mount in order to enhance our feeling of loss, and also to demonstrate our desire that the Temple be rebuilt. Thank you. Dear Monica, I cannot[…]