From: Helen Dear Rabbi, Are the words and the speech of the righteous different or more powerful than that of ordinary people? Why would this be? Dear Helen, The Talmudic Sages taught (Brachot 6b), “A G‑d fearing person’s words are heard and accepted, as it is written (Ecc. 12:13), ‘In the end, all having been[…]
From: Robert Dear Rabbi, Is there any significance in praying regularly in the same shul? What would be the criteria? And what about within the shul itself – is there anything special about davening in the same place? If so, how is this regulated in practice? Dear Robert, It is very important to try to[…]
From: Julian Dear Rabbi, Was there any special reason why those specific individuals known as the Forefathers became the founders of the Jewish People? Was it something in their lineage or heritage? If so, why them and at that time, and not others at a different time? Or perhaps it was something in their specific[…]
From: Robin Dear Rabbi, What is the Oral Torah? Is it a part of the Torah, a commentary, a rabbinical addition, or something else? Dear Robin, In order to properly understand what the Oral Torah is and its relation to the Written Torah, it’s important to first say a few words about the Written Torah.[…]
From: Robin Dear Rabbi, I read with great interest your response to my question about the Oral Torah. Thank you very much for your clear explanation. Based on what you wrote, I have some follow-up questions, if I may. You wrote that G‑d taught the entire Torah to Moses orally during the forty days he[…]
From: Henrietta Dear Rabbi, When we observe the animal world, it appears that there is a great degree of meanness and viciousness. A predator tears and mutilates its prey. How can a compassionate G‑d sanction this? And if it is nevertheless acceptable to G‑d, why is this behavior not condoned in mankind. Contrarily, if G‑d[…]
From: M.S. Dear Rabbi, I have a question about the description of the circular brass pool in the Temple as stated in verse I Kings 7:23. The verse says that this pool was 10 cubits across and 30 cubits around. If so, then either G‑d doesn’t seem to know the value of “pi”, or the[…]
From: Natan Dear Rabbi, I am a bit bewildered about the “quality” of water. Sometimes it’s associated with base passion or indulgence. Yet it is also very widely associated with the Torah. What is the resolution of this seeming contradiction? Dear Natan, You are right; water is described as having both qualities. Water is often[…]
From: Pablo Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish approach to including non-observant Jewish people in the ritual or practice of the Jewish religion? Dear Pablo, This is a very intriguing and somewhat intricate question, which I’ll only be able to address in general terms within this venue. In a nutshell, the basic spirit of Judaism[…]
From: Henry Dear Rabbi, There’s a particular prohibition that I am regularly and particularly challenged by. In all honesty, I fall time and time again. This makes me very upset, and I’m wondering why G‑d puts this barrier before me, and how I can possibly serve Him with joy when I’m weighed down by this[…]