From: Lauren in Manchester, England Dear Rabbi, Please share a “vort” (a word/idea of Torah) with me regarding Purim that I can share with my family at the Purim meal. Thanks in advance. Dear Lauren, Regarding Haman’s terrible decree, the Megilla states, “Letters were sent by the hand of the couriers to all the king’s[…]
From: Several Readers Dear Rabbi, Why don’t Jews refer to Jesus by the term “Christ”? Why are some Jews named Jr. if it’s not a Jewish custom? Why do some Jews break off parts of chess pieces? Dear Several Readers, Judaism accepts that a man named ‘Yeshu’ – Jesus – lived, that he was Jewish,[…]
From: Matt in San Diego Dear Rabbi, I recently read in passing about how “semicha”, the ancient practice of ordaining rabbis, is no longer in effect. Why is that, and can’t it be re-established? Dear Matt, The term semicha literally means ‘to place upon’ since it initially involved the master’s placing his hands on the[…]
From: Richard in London Dear Rabbi, I’ve decided to become further committed to Judaism, but I recently started a new job for a non-Jewish firm. I was wearing my yarmulke all the time, but my father requested me not to wear it to work. Although I’d prefer to wear it, do you think it may[…]
From: H.J. Erner in Lake Worth, FL Dear Rabbi, If Moses was unable to realize his dream of entering Israel because of one so-called transgression, how are we who are nowhere near what he was, to aspire to our dreams? I find it hard to believe that he should be judged by a higher standard[…]
From: Erica Dear Rabbi, I was perusing Ohr Somayach’s website and came across a question entitled The Eyes Have It regarding the “evil eye”. At the very end, the rabbi cautions against using non-common remedies, as they may be witchcraft. My question is this, is the little clear marble-looking ball with the black dot in the[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, Why should a person get married? Dear Anonymous, I’ll first explain some ideas behind the Jewish notion of marriage and why it’s essential, and then refute some common arguments against getting married. One of the main reasons for getting married is to help each other grow through a life-long process of[…]
From: Janet in Arizona Dear Rabbi, I have been studying scripture and came to the “urim and tumim”. What exactly were they and what was their exact purpose? Thanks in advance. Blessings! Dear Janet, The urim and tumim are associated with the breastplate worn by the High Priest. This breastplate had twelve precious stones, arranged[…]