From: Terrett in Miami Dear Rabbi, I have trouble with two apparent contradictions to wit: Judaism is less about faith and more about action. Yet we are to have faith that the instructions for our actions are immutable and divinely inspired. What gives? Also, we have free will and this is why G‑d does not[…]
From: Paula Sharfe Dear Rabbi, Friends and I heard that one should not allow a baby in its first year to look into mirrors. We have been unsuccessful in finding a source for this and would appreciate it if you could help us. Thank you. Dear Paula, I’ve heard this as well, with different versions[…]
From: Name Withheld in New York Dear Rabbi, My son is marrying, G‑d willing, in June and we have heard of a pre-marriage ceremony called “The Breaking of the Plate.” Would you be so kind as to share the significance of this ceremony as well as the actual performance (ritual).Thank you. Dear Name Withheld, First,[…]
From: Ken Cohen Dear Rabbi, Is playing live music, namely a guitar, allowed during services on Shabbat or holidays. If not, why? Thank You. Dear Ken, Musical instruments play a very important role in Torah. They were used by the prophets to put them in the correct frame of mind to receive prophecy, they are[…]
From: Jack Dear Rabbi, Hi. I have a question for the rabbi. My digital camera has a function that allows me to take 2 photos, and combine them into one. In other words, I can take 2 pictures, one of one person from the neck up, and a second photo of a second person from[…]
From: Liron in L.A. Dear Rabbi, Doesn’t the verse, “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth and subdue it; have dominion over…every living thing” (Genesis 1:28) seem to teach disrespect and egocentric insensitivity to the environment. What is Judaism’s attitude to environmental issues? Dear Liron, The idea you suggest was promoted by Arnold Toynbee[…]
From: Helene in Louisville, KY Dear Rabbi, I read your article on reincarnation and I found it so interesting that I re-read it several times. However, an idea keeps returning to my mind. If a soul can come back many times in different bodies, can it come back into someone else’s body who is already[…]
From: Helene in Louisville, KY Dear Rabbi, I read your article on reincarnation and I found it so interesting that I re-read it several times. However, an idea keeps returning to my mind. If a soul can come back many times in different bodies, can it come back into someone else’s body who is already[…]
From: Ari Trachtenberg in Illinois Dear Rabbi, I am thinking about taking a class in “Tai Kwan Do” to get some exercise. After sitting in on the first class, it seems that there is a lot of bowing involved: students are supposed to bow to the training room, to each other, and to the instructor.[…]
From: Linda Dear Rabbi, In the Memorial Service – the Yizkor prayer that we say on the High Holidays, we commemorate the souls of the martyrs who were “killed, murdered, slaughtered, burned, drowned and strangled” for the sanctification of the Name. The majority of victims who were killed in WWII did not go to their[…]