From: Sharon in London Dear Rabbi, I realize that G‑d controls everything. Therefore I pray to Him that He help me in whatever I do, even for the small, insignificant things. The problem is, He doesn’t seem to hear. Why isn’t G‑d answering my prayers? Dear Sharon, It is very good that you realize the[…]
Kabbala From: David Z. Dear Rabbi, What is Kabbala and its history in Judaism? May we learn Kabbala today? Dear David, Kabbala literally means “received” because true understanding of it is only possible through tradition handed down from master to disciple. Also known as Sod, (meaning secret) or Sitrei Torah, (the hidden aspects of Torah),[…]
From: Jeffrey B. Sidney Dear Rabbi, Many of the seemingly simple things leave me wondering. We use the word “kadosh” or “holy” often in our prayers, as in the kedushah or in the third blessing of the shemoneh esreh. But what does it mean? I have asked knowledgeable individuals a number of times over the[…]
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: 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,[…]
From: Brian N. Frye in Fort Worth, Texas Dear Rabbi, What does being a rabbi mean? What training is required to become ordained/certified? What does being a rabbi entail? Dear Brian, Thanks for your interest. The word rabbi comes from the Aramaic word rabi, and is related to the Hebrew word for “great”. Rabi was[…]