Does G‑d Have Free Will?

From: Yra Harris Dear Rabbi, Does G‑d have free will?   Dear Yra, Yes, G‑d has free will. G‑d chose to create, when to create and how to create. G‑d chooses to maintain and regulate all that exists every moment. This involves myriad, changing considerations at all times, and G‑d considers them all instantaneously, deciding according[…]

Wishy Washing

From: Susan in Norfolk, Virginia Dear Rabbi, As a newly religious, single person, I am often a guest at different people’s houses for Shabbat meals. Regarding the washing after the meal before bentching, I have noticed different customs which I don’t quite understand. Some families do it, others don’t. Why? And even harder to understand[…]

Far Away Fudge

From: Earnest Allen in Arkansas Dear Rabbi, I own Stone Brook Fudge Company. We supply fudge for Candy Bouquet franchisees and many of them need kosher fudge and your blessing. My question is this…I live approximately 2 hours from Little Rock, Arkansas (Mt. View, Arkansas). How do I have a priest bless us and how[…]

Renewing Semicha

From: Matt in San Diego Dear Rabbi, I recently read in passing about how “semicha”, the ancient practice of ordaining rabbis, is no longer in effect. Why is that, and can’t it be re-established? Dear Matt, The term semicha literally means ‘to place upon’ since it initially involved the master’s placing his hands on the[…]

Urim v’Tumim

From: Janet in Arizona Dear Rabbi, I have been studying scripture and came to the “urim and tumim”. What exactly were they and what was their exact purpose? Thanks in advance. Blessings! Dear Janet, The urim and tumim are associated with the breastplate worn by the High Priest. This breastplate had twelve precious stones, arranged[…]

Free Will Post-Sinai

From: Terrett in Miami Dear Rabbi, I have trouble with two apparent contradictions to wit: Judaism is less about faith and more about action. Yet we are to have faith that the instructions for our actions are immutable and divinely inspired. What gives? Also, we have free will and this is why G‑d does not[…]