From: Adam Blumenthal Dear Rabbi, I was wondering if you could discuss the laws pertaining to “pidyon shevuyim” (redeeming captives). I know it is cited as a great mitzvah, however I was wondering if there is a point where it should not be allowed under the grounds of either inequitable exchange or in the event[…]

From: Steve in Boston, MA Dear Rabbi, I have a tattoo and I heard recently that the Rabbis said it’s wrong and that I couldn’t be buried in a Jewish cemetery. I started asking around and heard it’s just as bad to have the tattoo removed because it damages the body. I’m confused about all[…]

From: Margie in MA Dear Rabbi, Why do religious people seem to have an aversion to pets? Dear Margie, Your question is not a petty one. There are undoubtedly significant benefits to owning pets. Children can learn responsibility and sensitivity by caring for pets. Pets bring joy into the home and also can provide company[…]

From: Ira in Florida Dear Rabbi, Here in Florida the husband of a woman in a persistent vegetative state won the right to ‘pull the plug’ and allow her to die. Her parents opposed this request. What is your position on the right to die and living wills in which a person leaves instructions for[…]

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: Many Readers Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish perspective on cloning? This is a continuation of: Cloning 1 – Is it Right to Play G-d? Cloning 2 – Does a Clone Have a Soul? Dear Readers, In Cloning 1 we mentioned that a clone is genetically identical to the gene donor, unlike normal male/female[…]

From: Many Readers Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish perspective on cloning? This is a continuation of: Cloning 1 – Is it Right to Play G-d? Dear Readers, In the first part of this series we explored the question if it’s right to play G-d. This segment of our discussion on cloning will address the[…]

From: Many Readers Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish perspective on cloning? Dear Readers, Before discussing the Jewish perspective on cloning, let us give a brief explanation of what cloning is and how it is done. Cloning is the reproduction of an organism whereby all the genes of the clone are identical to the original[…]