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[…]
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[…]
From: Martin in NJ Dear Rabbi, First, I enjoy reading your very logical responses to questions. I have been reading about Jewish life for many years trying to understand what it means to be a Jew. I think I am beginning to understand. One item that will help me fit the pieces together is a[…]
From: Alan L. Dear Rabbi, I am a 49-year old Jewish man with a very large hole in his heart. I was raised a Jew and still think of myself as a Jew. But I really don’t know what it is to be a Jew. I was Bar Mitzva’d and confirmed. I went to Hebrew[…]
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[…]
From: Several Readers Dear Rabbi, Why don’t Jews refer to Jesus by the term “Christ”? Why are some Jews named Jr. if it’s not a Jewish custom? Why do some Jews break off parts of chess pieces? Dear Several Readers, Judaism accepts that a man named ‘Yeshu’ – Jesus – lived, that he was Jewish,[…]
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in San Diego Dear Rabbi, I recently read in passing about how “semicha”, the ancient practice of ordaining rabbis, is no longer in effect.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[…]
From: H.J. Erner in Lake Worth, FL Dear Rabbi, If Moses was unable to realize his dream of entering Israel because of one so-called transgression, how are we who are nowhere near what he was, to aspire to our dreams? I find it hard to believe that he should be judged by a higher standard[…]
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[…]
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[…]