From: David Bressler Dear Rabbi, One of my friends recently asked me if I liked a certain singer. When I told him that I do not listen to non-Jewish music, he asked me why. What do I tell him? What makes music Jewish? Especially now, when many introductions for songs and sometimes the songs themselves[…]
From: Allen Dear Rabbi, I saw in the media recently (as in the past) demonstrations on the part of the Charedi Orthodox which involved burning trash bins, throwing garbage in the streets and various forms of violence against the police. How can this be tolerated? Can the rabbis possibly condone such wild behavior? And how[…]
From: Regina Dear Rabbi, I am interested in learning about the Wailing or Western Wall. Can you explain to me how this sacred place began (history) and how it has evolved over the years? My teacher is teaching us this subject in my Jewish religion class. However, I want to learn more by asking you.[…]
From: Din Dear Rabbi, All major religions have missionaries to invite people to join their faith. Judaism doesn’t. Why not? From: Emily Dear Rabbi, I’ve been searching for the “one, true religion” for some time, and when I came across Judaism, I knew that was the religion for me. I also read briefly about conversion[…]
From: Matthew Dear Rabbi, If the Land of Israel is supposed to be flowing with milk and honey, why don’t we see that kind of abundance in the Land of Israel today? Dear Mathew, First of all, while Israel may not be oozing milk and honey, there is definitely an agricultural and material abundance which,[…]
From: Ayelet in Jerusalem Dear Rabbi, Living in Israel, and in Jerusalem, like everyone else here, I feel unfortunately too close to terrorism and the possibility, G‑d forbid, of there being an attack. Since it seems that it could happen at any time and any place, I feel like I’ve developed a suspicion and fear[…]
From: Todd in Baltimore Dear Rabbi, Would you please share any ideas you might have about how the Torah might relate to the current situation with the war against Hamas. Perhaps more specifically, what is the Torah’s attitude toward retaliation in self-defense? Dear Todd, Ideally, a Jew would rather have peace than war. However, not[…]
From: Manny in Austin, TX Dear Rabbi, With all the discussion on the causes of the current financial crisis I can’t help but wonder if there aren’t additional reasons going on behind the scenes. Can you offer any insight into this aspect of the crises? Dear Manny, Contrary to popular belief, I am not a[…]
From: Akiva in Atlanta Dear Rabbi, This question may come across as rude but I certainly don’t mean it to be. Here is the situation: I have great respect for rabbis, but it also happens that people who are called “rabbis” don’t fit my description of a rabbi, neither in learnedness nor in behavior. Such[…]
From: Jamie in Jerusalem Dear Rabbi, Is there any difference in Judaism between asking for charity and begging for it? Let me explain: I’m talking about people at religious sites like the Kotel who not only ask for charity but they persistently and sometimes rudely beg for money and they don’t let you alone, or[…]