From: Marcella Dear Rabbi, I am involved in shidduch dating. I met a guy who seemed like he would be compatible, but after the first date I wasn’t so excited. I guess he’s more or less what I’m looking for, but the feeling I was hoping for isn’t there. The person who set us up[…]
From: John Dear Rabbi, Why do Jews, or at least religious Jews, have beards and not shave? Someone told me it was in order to get blessing. Is this the reason? Dear John, It is true that Jewish mystical sources discuss the beard in the context of blessing – either being a source of blessing[…]
From: Dina Dear Rabbi, What is the meaning of the mitzva of visiting the sick. Is it just to pay attention to the ill person, or does it have any curative effect on the person as well? Dear Dina, Visiting the sick is a specific form of doing chesed (acts of loving-kindness) with our fellow[…]
From: Aharon Dear Rabbi, Why wasn’t the Torah given in the Land of Israel? Since the Land was given by G‑d to the Jews to be a holy nation in their own Holy Land, wouldn’t it seem to make more sense for them to receive the holy Torah in such a holy place as Israel[…]
From: Gabe Dear Rabbi, Since the prayers were instituted by the rabbis of the Talmud did Jews not pray before that time? Or if they did, how? Dear Gabe, Before the Sages instituted the formal prayers we know today, Jews prayed according to the Torah. What does this mean? For one, when discussing the basis[…]
From: Manny Dear Rabbi, My parents passed away several years ago. For some reason, I can’t get myself to part from their house and belongings. My wife says I’ve made a museum of them and that it isn’t right, but she can’t articulate why. Can you help me understand what’s going on here and what[…]
From: Alan Dear Rabbi, I am very intrigued by the breast plate of the High Priest and was wondering whether it could be fashioned nowadays or whether it was only something of the past, or otherwise relevant only if there is a Temple or priestly service? Dear Alan, I agree that the High Priest’s breast[…]
From: Harry Dear Rabbi, What is the reason for wearing the white “kittel” at the Seder table on Passover night? Since we wear our festive best during the prayers, what’s the reason for changing into this relatively simple garment for the Seder? Dear Harry, Although it is a mitzva to adorn oneself on this night[…]
From: Nate Dear Rabbi, I am familiar with the custom to immerse in a mikva for Shabbat, and also for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. But is there such a custom for Passover? Dear Nate, The requirement to immerse in a mikva in preparation for the festivals is actually stronger than that for Shabbat. The[…]
From: Brian Dear Rabbi, It seems to me that the reason we search for bread is to remove it from the house. So I’m a bit perplexed as to why we intentionally hide pieces of bread around the house before the search. Any insights? Dear Brian, The purpose of the search is certainly to find[…]