From: Britney Dear Rabbi, I and many other non-religious Jews are very upset about the intolerant position of Orthodoxy against non-Orthodox conversions. Who are the rabbis to decide what conversion is kosher or not? And shouldn’t they be interested in maintaining the unity of the Jewish People rather than causing divisiveness? Anyway, many converts are[…]
This is a continuation of: Tammuz, Av and Divine Names Tammuz, Av and the Zodiac From: Rodney Dear Rabbi, Since the months with holidays are considered “good months”, are the months of Tammuz and Av considered “bad months”, since they have days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple? Dear Rodney, In the previous installment,[…]
This is a continuation of: Tammuz, Av and Divine Names From: Rodney Dear Rabbi, Since the months with holidays are considered “good months”, are the months of Tammuz and Av considered “bad months”, since they have days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple? Dear Rodney, In the previous installment, we explored the permutations of[…]
From: Rodney Dear Rabbi, Since the months with holidays are considered “good months”, are the months of Tammuz and Av considered “bad months”, since they have days that commemorate the destruction of the Temple? Dear Rodney, Since you ask about multiple months, and since there is a lot to discuss, and since the discussion is[…]
From: David Dear Rabbi, I am involved in shidduch dating. Recently I went out with a girl who I thought was amazing and so talented and entertaining. This was a first for me since I am more on the serious side and this seemed like a really good match for me. Anyway, after a few[…]
From: Dennis Dear Rabbi, In our shul, there are kohanim who I am sure are not observant and who even transgress in public. I am wondering if they are allowed to perform the priestly blessing for the community, or if their blessing might be a curse, G‑d forbid. Dear Dennis, This question should rightly be[…]
From: Jesse Dear Rabbi, I recently heard of a yeshiva being saved from the Holocaust through Shanghai. Is this true, and how did it happen? Dear Jesse, Before recounting the actual history, it is important to qualify that even more significant than the interesting events is recognizing the hand of G‑d in history which orchestrated[…]
From: Misha Dear Rabbi, Would you please explain the Torah punishment of “karet”? Dear Misha, The word karet means to be “cut off”. According to the classic Torah commentator Rabbeinu Bachya, Rabbi Bachya ben Asher ibn Halawa 1255-1340 (not to be confused with R’ Bachya ben Joseph ibn Paquda, author of Duties of the Heart,[…]
From: Gil Dear Rabbi, I recently came across the concept of blessing G‑d over bad things that happen to a person just as one would do for good things that happen. What does this mean? Dear Gil, The concept you are referring to is based on a teaching of the Sages which states (Berachot 60a),[…]
From: Felice Dear Rabbi, Moses, Aaron and Miriam play such a central role in the Exodus. Are they featured in any way in the Haggada? Dear Felice, You are correct that all three siblings – Moses, Aaron and Miriam – brought about the Redemption from Egypt. This is as in the verse, “For I brought[…]