From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, I am financially independent and reasonably well-off. I feel that my financial situation is a function of my hard work, and therefore have trouble with the idea that G‑d is the source of my wealth, or that I must pray to, or thank G‑d, for my livelihood. I can buy anything[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, A friend of mine and myself lead learning sessions and talks to students who are newly interested in Judaism. I feel a certain sensitivity about who goes first or who seems to get a better reaction from the audience. I know that competitiveness can play a role in increasing Torah knowledge,[…]
From: Gary Dear Rabbi, I find that I have a problem with arrogance. Is there anything you can tell me that might help me work on this shortcoming? Dear Gary, Interestingly enough, in your very question you admit to being flawed. Isn’t that humbling enough? A man once went to the Kotsker Rebbe with a[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, Let me say from the outset that I am Jewish, and proud of it. But when I see the way traditional Orthodox Jewish people dress, particularly the men, I am embarrassed. It looks so peculiar and out of place that I wonder why it has to be so? Couldn’t they dress[…]
From: Bernard Dear Rabbi, I am a believer in the importance of supporting Torah study in order to educate our youth and pass Torah education to the next generation. For that reason, I am a supporter of Torah institutions. Recently I found out that one of the programs I donate to is geared for students[…]
From: Jordan Dear Rabbi, What is Judaism’s view of how much a person may “indulge” in things of a worldly nature? I’m not really asking about pursuing physical pleasures, but rather obtaining material possessions. Is there anything wrong with acquiring material possessions just for the sake of having belongings if that makes one feel good?[…]
From: David Walles Dear Rabbi, I have a question that recently had practical implications. We were sitting in a restaurant and some older people walked in as they had a booking. The restaurant management confused the booking and it turns out that there was no space for them to be seated. They were angry that[…]
From: Andy Dear Rabbi, I have decided to become observant. But I also enjoy the friends I have and the things we do. Is there any problem with still being with them even if they are doing things that aren’t good as long as I don’t do them myself? Dear Andy, It’s great that you’ve[…]
From: Allison Dear Rabbi, This is kind of a personal question, but I hope you can help. I am a quiet person by nature. I would say that I’m basically friendly. That is, I like people and I think people like me, but the truth is that I don’t talk very much. So maybe it[…]
From: Avraham Dear Rabbi, I am currently learning at a beginning level in a yeshiva for ba’alei teshuva. I have graduated college and decided to take time out to catch up on Jewish learning before continuing to prepare for a profession (although I don’t know what that would be). My parents aren’t thrilled. They are[…]