From: J. Schwartz Dear Rabbi, What’s G‑d’s “take” on depression and what’s the Torah’s “take” on it as well? Thanks. Dear J. Schwartz, First, G‑d’s and the Torah’s “take” are one and the same. In general, when speaking of depression we must distinguish between depression caused by a medical condition, and that which is caused[…]
From: Mrs. H. Dear Rabbi, I have been at my current job since November and it requires me to work with the public all day. Until recently, I always wore hats to work and was not even aware whether or not my co-workers and patrons knew I was wearing them for religious reasons. Now that[…]
From: Jennifer in Boulder, CO Dear Rabbi, My friend told me that everyone is born with a predestined husband or wife. I’m really curious about this idea. Is this match one’s soulmate? What determines who my match is? Can one miss his or her match, or change it? I have lots of questions about this,[…]
From: Barbara in England Dear Rabbi, The religious form of dating seems somewhat artificial and contrived. I mean, how can two people who are “set up” unnaturally, actually fall in love. The lack of romance and infatuation would seem to doom the couple to a marriage of boredom. Thank you for your answer. Dear Barbara,[…]
Reincarnation From: Steve in Johannesburg Dear Rabbi, I recently returned from a trip to India where I found the whole concept of reincarnation to be fascinating. Why doesn’t Judaism believe in it? Dear Steve, Surprise! Reincarnation is an ancient, mainstream belief in Judaism. The Zohar, teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai close to two thousand[…]
From: Marsha in Ann Arbor, MI Dear Rabbi, I’m familiar with the idea that our good deeds can benefit the souls of the deceased, especially those of our close relatives. The question is how does it work? Dear Marsha, Our Sages taught, “A son can accrue merit for his [deceased] father” (Sanhedrin 104a), and “A[…]
From: Mark in L.A. Dear Rabbi, Does the Torah encourage exercise, or consider it a waste of time? Dear Mark, It is our purpose in life to come close to G‑d through studying Torah and by keeping the commandments. In this way the soul is elevated and merits eternal goodness in the World to Come.[…]
From: Steve Roth in Boston, MA Dear Rabbi, Recently I have become interested in Judaism and have made a lot of progress by reading on my own and talking to religious people. Someone suggested that I learn in a yeshiva. Is that really necessary? Dear Steve, It sounds like you’re off to a wonderful start[…]
From: Chaya Bruria Chait Dear Rabbi, Has palm reading ever been a part of Orthodox Judaism? If so, how does it work? If not, why not? Dear Chaya Bruria, While I don’t have hands-on experience in palm reading, I can tell you what our sources say about it. Moses was told to select judges over[…]
From: Rob in NJ Dear Rabbi, What does Judaism say about dreams? Dear Rob, Judaism says a lot about dreams. Jacob dreamt of angels ascending and descending a ladder reaching to heaven, revealing to him the site of the Holy Temple (Genesis 28:12). Joseph dreamt that the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed before him,[…]