From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, I am financially independent and reasonably well-off. I feel that my financial situation is a function of my hard work, and therefore have trouble with the idea that G‑d is the source of my wealth, or that I must pray to, or thank G‑d, for my livelihood. I can buy anything[…]
From: Debra Dear Rabbi, I have always wondered how from Adam and Eve came all the different races and colors of the peoples of the world? Was it like that from the start? If not, how did the variations occur? Dear Debra, Great question! The Talmud itself deals with this. In reality, the modern concept[…]
From: Jason Dear Rabbi, What is the reason for reciting Song of Songs on Passover. What’s the connection? Dear Jason, It is customary to read Song of Songs on the first night of Passover at the end of the Seder. In the Diaspora where the Seder is repeated on the second night, the reading of[…]
From: Rachel Dear Rabbi, Wine is used throughout the Jewish year for different occasions and for different purposes. It’s my understanding that any type and color of wine can be used for these different occasions. Is this so regarding the four cups at the Seder, or must they be red? Dear Rachel, The mitzva of[…]
From: Marcell Dear Rabbi, Must the search for chametz before Passover be done only with a candle? If so, why? If not, what else can be used? Thanks. Dear Marcell, The search for chametz is performed by the light of a single candle. A torch which has many wicks, or a large flame, may not[…]
From: Samuel Dear Rabbi, Am I allowed to walk past a shul without going inside? Would doing so be disrespectful? Should I go another way if possible? Dear Samuel, The Talmud (Berachot 8b) discusses this question by saying that one may not walk past a shul at the time the community is praying without going[…]
From: Yehoshua Dear Rabbi, Is there any problem with eating olives? Is there any need to eat olives with olive oil? I have heard that there is some problem with eating olives and memory. Is there a source for all this? Dear Yehoshua, The Talmud (Horayot 13b) says, “There are five things which cause one[…]
From: Josh Dear Rabbi, I was wondering, with all the dangers and threats against Jews nowadays, whether it’s worth going to shul, which is a place that is more likely to be targeted? Would it not be better to pray at home, or to organize unofficial minyans that would be less conspicuous? Dear Josh, I[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, A friend of mine and myself lead learning sessions and talks to students who are newly interested in Judaism. I feel a certain sensitivity about who goes first or who seems to get a better reaction from the audience. I know that competitiveness can play a role in increasing Torah knowledge,[…]
From: Michael Dear Rabbi, I received a pair of tefillin from my grandfather (of blessed memory) when I became a bar mitzva about ten years ago, and now I’ve started wearing them regularly. Since he was a religious man, do I have to check that they’re kosher, or can I rely on the fact that[…]