From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, I don’t particularly get along with my daughter-in-law. I have heard that the Torah predicts that this is normally the case. I was wondering if the Torah also teaches how to rectify this situation with practical advice how to improve the relationship between mothers and daughters-in-law. If you choose to publish[…]
From: Ken in CO Dear Rabbi, I am an avid ski-buff gone religious. Is there any reason according to Judaism not to go snow skiing? Dear Ken, There’s nothing wrong with snow skiing per se. It’s good exercise, invigorating, and is practiced in a natural setting that inspires awe of G‑d. But there are some[…]
From: Amy in WI Dear Rabbi, I was wondering, according to the Jewish belief of Resurrection, whether a resurrected couple would remain married. I know this may sound morbid on the one hand, but if they have a good marriage in this life, it might be nice to know if the honeymoon will continue. Dear[…]
From: Stephanie in RI Dear Rabbi, I enjoy listening to classical music. Particularly if I’m upset, or want to relax, or even if I just want to tune out what’s going on around me and concentrate on things I’m doing like reading, studying or whatever. Is this OK? Is there any problem with listening to[…]
From: Ian in Toronto Dear Rabbi, Why does G‑d try the righteous? And why did G‑d try Abraham with 10 different trials, culminating in the command to sacrifice Isaac? Dear Ian, Our Sages asked, Why did G‑d try Abraham? They answered with three parables: To what may the matter be compared? To a seller of[…]
From: Carson Hughes Dear Rabbi, Is a “white lie” a sin? This question was raised in our Sunday School class by a 7th grade student. Dear Carson Hughes, A “white lie”, a falsehood that does not cause any harm, is not as serious as cheating or being dishonest in business, but it is still prohibited.[…]
From: Simon in England Dear Rabbi, I have been studying Torah close to two years. I am currently learning in an environment with relative beginners. Even though they are enthusiastic, I feel I have little patience to hear their ideas when I have already learned them before. Do I have to listen, or since it’s[…]
From: Peter Merker in NYC Dear Rabbi, Where does the halacha for Kiddush Levana (blessing for the New Moon) come from, and have there been any Torah authorities who were opposed to it? Dear Peter Merker, The source for blessing the new moon comes from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 42a). To my knowledge, there have never[…]
From: Andrew Lappin in Glencoe, IL Dear Rabbi, It is stated, “repentance was created before the universe itself; that repentance was a pre-condition of Creation”. If so, how is it that G‑d is so intensely angered at the Jews for the sin of the golden calf? Or was that just for “show”? Furthermore, how is[…]
From: Nancy in Madison Dear Rabbi, Is honesty always the best policy? It seems that sometimes being honest may be harmful. Dear Nancy, Honesty is certainly a very good policy. Our Sages (Avot 1:18) teach that truth is one the three foundations upon which the world endures, together with justice and peace, without which there[…]