From: Natan Dear Rabbi, I am a bit bewildered about the “quality” of water. Sometimes it’s associated with base passion or indulgence. Yet it is also very widely associated with the Torah. What is the resolution of this seeming contradiction? Dear Natan, You are right; water is described as having both qualities. Water is often[…]
From: Russell Dear Rabbi, Would you please discuss the mitzvah of reclining at the Seder meal? Dear Russell, While partaking of the four cups of wine, and the matza at the beginning of the meal, and the korech “sandwich” (of matza, maror, and charoset), and the afikomen matza at the end of the meal, one must do so in a reclining position. This may[…]
From: Pablo Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish approach to including non-observant Jewish people in the ritual or practice of the Jewish religion? Dear Pablo, This is a very intriguing and somewhat intricate question, which I’ll only be able to address in general terms within this venue. In a nutshell, the basic spirit of Judaism[…]
From: Henry Dear Rabbi, There’s a particular prohibition that I am regularly and particularly challenged by. In all honesty, I fall time and time again. This makes me very upset, and I’m wondering why G‑d puts this barrier before me, and how I can possibly serve Him with joy when I’m weighed down by this[…]
From: Rivi Dear Rabbi, Am I correct in noticing that Purim features the role of a woman, Esther, as heroine more so than other Jewish holidays? If so, why might this be and what is the message? Dear Rivi, Purim is not the only holiday which features a female protagonist. The holiday of Pesach which[…]
From: Anthony Dear Rabbi, We are taught how important it is to study Torah constantly. That the entire world rests upon those who learn Torah. So how is it possible to ever take time off from learning in order to do other important things in life like being with family, staying healthy, seeing G‑d’s world,[…]
From: Robert Dear Rabbi, Does Judaism place any importance on birthdays, and are any birthdays considered to be more important than others? Dear Robert, This is a commonly asked question which applies to everybody and is thus worth exploring in more than one installment. Thus, in this first installment I’ll discuss the Torah sources about[…]
From: Robert Dear Rabbi, Does Judaism place any importance on birthdays, and are any considered to be more important than others? Dear Robert, In the first installment, we saw that according to Torah sources, birthdays generally can, and perhaps should, be commemorated and celebrated. In this installment, I’ll explore whether certain birthdays are more important[…]
From: Becky Dear Rabbi, I will be visiting a European city soon, and I was encouraged to visit the National Art Museum there. I’m wondering if there’s any problem with that, or if it’s OK. Thanks for your guidance. Dear Becky, Travel is always exciting, and of course, there’s a natural inclination to want to[…]