From: Monica in Israel Dear Rabbi, During this period of mourning over the destruction of the Temple, I was wondering if it permissible to go up to the Temple Mount in order to enhance our feeling of loss, and also to demonstrate our desire that the Temple be rebuilt. Thank you. Dear Monica, I cannot[…]
From: Gloria in Chicago, Illinois Dear Rabbi, I remember as a child sitting at my family’s Seder and not being able to understand a word of what was going on because the Haggada was read in what sounded like Hebrew or Yiddish or both. Now that I am in college I want to make a[…]
From: Ian in Tampa, FL Dear Rabbi, Is there any special clothing to be worn at the Seder? I seem to remember my grandfather wearing all white. Dear Ian, In general, as on all festivals, we wear our finest clothing. One should try to the best of one’s ability to buy new clothing for one’s[…]
From: Steve in Ann Arbor, Michigan Dear Rabbi, I saw in a calendar that the Shabbat before Passover is called “Shabbat HaGadol”. Does this mean “The Great Shabbat”? What is the significance of this? Dear Steve, The Jews in Egypt on the eve of the Exodus were given their first mitzva (the Torah had not[…]
From: Lauren in Manchester, England Dear Rabbi, Please share a “vort” (a word/idea of Torah) with me regarding Purim that I can share with my family at the Purim meal. Thanks in advance. Dear Lauren, Regarding Haman’s terrible decree, the Megilla states, “Letters were sent by the hand of the couriers to all the king’s[…]
From: Dave Criss Dear Rabbi, What is the difference between “Lamed Vavniks” (the thirty-six secret righteous Jews in each generation) and the generic “Tzadik nistar” (hidden righteous person)? Dear David, The thirty-six are referred to as “lamed vav tzadikim” according to the numerical equivalent of the letters ‘lamed’ (thirty) and ‘vav’ (six). The idea is[…]
From: Ken Cohen Dear Rabbi, Is playing live music, namely a guitar, allowed during services on Shabbat or holidays. If not, why? Thank You. Dear Ken, Musical instruments play a very important role in Torah. They were used by the prophets to put them in the correct frame of mind to receive prophecy, they are[…]
From: Jenny in Newport Dear Rabbi, I understand that we are to consider the succah as our permanent dwelling during the festival, while our houses are to be considered of secondary importance. For this reason, we are to eat, sleep and otherwise be in the succah as we normally dwell in our homes. My question[…]
From: Marcus in Delaware Dear Rabbi, On Yom Kippur there is a very long list of transgressions that we are supposed to confess about. But I don’t understand why I’m being dictated what I’ve done wrong. Anyway, most of those things don’t even apply to me. I’ve never stolen, had an affair or killed anyone.[…]
From: Scott in Ireland Dear Rabbi, I am uncertain as to why Rosh Hashana, the Day of Judgment, precedes Yom Kippur, the Day of Repentance. Shouldn’t we first repent, and then be judged? Dear Scott, You ask a very good question. And you are right, repentance should precede judgment. In fact, there are several times[…]