From: Chaim Dear Rabbi, I have not had much interaction with rabbis. But recently I had an experience with one rabbi that was not so pleasant. I found him to be somewhat aloof and perhaps disinterested. Is there any religious reason why a rabbi might be this way, for example maybe to maintain a certain[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of Haman being hanged on a tree? Dear Melissa, The Sages taught (Ester Raba 9:2) that when Haman became infuriated with Mordechai for not bowing before him as everyone else did, his wicked wife Zeresh advised him to plot a death for Mordechai that none of his[…]
From: Brandon Dear Rabbi, What was the significance of the two angelic figures that faced each other on the Ark of the Covenant appearing as children? Dear Brandon, The two angelic figures you refer to, the “cheruvim”, were part of the lid of the Ark in which was placed the tablets of the Ten Commandments.[…]
From: Laura Dear Rabbi, There’s something that’s bothering me which I hope you can clarify. I’m uncomfortable with the strong emphasis on punishment and Divine retribution in the Torah. Does the reason for doing G‑d’s will have to be so based on fear? Can’t we serve G‑d out of love? Dear Laura, This is a[…]
From: Carrie Dear Rabbi, Haman was a malicious maniac who demanded homage from all – and most people obeyed. What I’m wondering is why Mordechai didn’t bow as well. Aside from this being one of the venues through which the salvation occurred, what were Mordechai’s reasons for not bowing down in honor of Haman as[…]
From: Debra Dear Rabbi, I am considering giving birth by C-section and was wondering whether there are any Jewish considerations involved. Dear Debra, Jewish considerations do, in fact, have a “bearing” on your question. Since it’s not clear the reason why you’re considering C-section, I’ll discuss the several possibilities. If it’s not for medical reasons[…]
From: Helen Dear Rabbi, I am Jewish but not religious. I have seen mezuzas as pendants on necklaces and in Jewish homes, but don’t really know much about what a mezuza is. A few questions come to mind, but any knowledge you could share would be appreciated: What is a mezuza, is there anything inside,[…]
From: Brandon Dear Rabbi, In Judaism, are converts accepted as full-fledged Jews or do they have a status in any way different than Jews by birth? Dear Brandon, Sincere converts who convert to Judaism according to Jewish Law are full-fledged Jews. It is nevertheless worth mentioning that Judaism does not require a person to be[…]
From: Jennifer Dear Rabbi, With so many horrible things happening in the world, I’m having trouble making sense of it and wondering where is G‑d in all this? Do you have any suggestions for coping? Dear Jennifer, The essence of being a Jew is to give thanks. That’s what the name for Jew in Hebrew[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, Is there anything wrong with saying negative things in the form of an exaggeration, or as a manner of speech, when one doesn’t really literally mean what he’s saying? For example, “I’ll go crazy if she tells my mother”, or “When you die, your soul goes to heaven” (suggesting the person[…]