From: Abraham in LA Dear Rabbi, Is it a mitzva to “guard” one’s hearing the way one is supposed to “guard” one’s tongue? Dear Abraham, Regarding the specific prohibition of spreading slanderous speech, the prohibition applies equally to the speaker as well as the listener. This means that one is not allowed even to “just”[…]
From: Dave in Detroit Dear Rabbi, I’m not Orthodox, and I’m not even religious. I am getting interested in finding out more about Judaism, though. Some things make sense to me, others I’m working through. Some practices seem meaningful to me, others I’m still searching for meaning. However, I recently had an experience which was[…]
From: Daniel Branower Dear Rabbi, Why do many Torah observant Jews who live in Israel dress in a European style, as opposed to a more Mediterranean or “native” style? If the idea is that Jews are returning from exile to Eretz Yisrael, their ancestral home, why the adherence to the traditions and customs of the[…]
From: Dave Dear Rabbi, I find myself looking at what others have and being covetous about why they have it and I don’t. I realize I am judging other people and that this is a bad thing, but I find it very difficult to control. Can you please give me some practical advice about this?[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, I know that this is going to sound strange, but it is a question that I feel I have to ask. I get the impression that according to Judaism, spiritual beauty and physical beauty go together. I mean, an attractive physical appearance seems to reflect a certain degree of spiritual perfection.[…]
From: Carson Hughes Dear Rabbi, Is a “white lie” a sin? This question was raised in our Sunday School class by a 7th grade student. Dear Carson Hughes, A “white lie”, a falsehood that does not cause any harm, is not as serious as cheating or being dishonest in business, but it is still prohibited.[…]
From: Nancy in Madison Dear Rabbi, Is honesty always the best policy? It seems that sometimes being honest may be harmful. Dear Nancy, Honesty is certainly a very good policy. Our Sages (Avot 1:18) teach that truth is one the three foundations upon which the world endures, together with justice and peace, without which there[…]
From: Susan in CO Dear Rabbi, Lately it seems that I am being sent “signs” that I should look more into my Jewish roots, but I am reluctant to because of Judaism’s repressive attitude toward spirituality for women. I would appreciate any insights you can offer me on this topic. Thanks. Dear Susan, That fact[…]
From: Anonymous Dear Rabbi, To be honest, I am not a very giving person. I know I am more of a taker than a giver. Most people consider this a bad thing, but really I think it makes more sense. Still, I was wondering if you had any insights for me. Dear Anonymous, There was[…]
From: Felice in CA Dear Rabbi, Recently a friend of mine, who is usually a nice person, has done something which I think is really wrong. On the one hand, I am embarrassed to talk to her about it, and also I don’t want to put her on the spot. On the other hand, another[…]