From: Ben Cohen Dear Rabbi, I saw your response to a recent question on the “Shins” of Tefillin. I have a similar question on tzitzit: What is the significance of the strings, knots and windings on the fringes of the tallit? Dear Ben, The tzitzit are intended to remind us of the commandments and to[…]
From: Alex in LA Dear Rabbi, Would you please explain to me what the significance of the two “shins” on the head tefillin is, and why one has four arms instead of the usual three? Dear Alex, The presence of the ‘shins’ on the head tefillin has many explanations. I’ll discuss just a few here.[…]
From: Ian in Toronto Dear Rabbi, Why does G‑d try the righteous? And why did G‑d try Abraham with 10 different trials, culminating in the command to sacrifice Isaac? Dear Ian, Our Sages asked, Why did G‑d try Abraham? They answered with three parables: To what may the matter be compared? To a seller of[…]
From: Simon in England Dear Rabbi, I have been studying Torah close to two years. I am currently learning in an environment with relative beginners. Even though they are enthusiastic, I feel I have little patience to hear their ideas when I have already learned them before. Do I have to listen, or since it’s[…]
From: Peter Merker in NYC Dear Rabbi, Where does the halacha for Kiddush Levana (blessing for the New Moon) come from, and have there been any Torah authorities who were opposed to it? Dear Peter Merker, The source for blessing the new moon comes from the Talmud (Sanhedrin 42a). To my knowledge, there have never[…]
From: Andrew Lappin in Glencoe, IL Dear Rabbi, It is stated, “repentance was created before the universe itself; that repentance was a pre-condition of Creation”. If so, how is it that G‑d is so intensely angered at the Jews for the sin of the golden calf? Or was that just for “show”? Furthermore, how is[…]
From: I. Frankel Dear Rabbi, Our shul faces east, whereas Jerusalem is southeast from our city. Almost everyone faces east except for one or two people who face southeast. Is it more important to face a bit more in the right direction, or not to be different from (and maybe disrespectful to) the vast majority[…]
From: Alex in Chicago Dear Rabbi, I always thought that Jerusalem is the one and only holy city in Judaism. Is it true that other cities in Israel are also holy? Dear Alex, The entire Land of Israel is considered holy, and therefore all cities in Israel are considered holy by virtue of their being[…]
From: Andreo in Mexico City Dear Rabbi, I see religious Jews in my neighborhood going to temple and I was wondering what it’s like inside? Is a gentile like myself allowed inside? What would I experience there? Dear Andreo, First let me explain some terms. The Hebrew word for the Jewish place of worship is[…]
From: Shaul in Jerusalem Dear Rabbi, We are supposed to believe that everything that happens to a person in life is from G‑d. Whether he is healthy, wealthy or has children and the like are all from G‑d who judges justly. If this is so, why should we pray to Him to change the portion[…]