From: Nate Dear Rabbi, I am familiar with the custom to immerse in a mikva for Shabbat, and also for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. But is there such a custom for Passover? Dear Nate, The requirement to immerse in a mikva in preparation for the festivals is actually stronger than that for Shabbat. The[…]
From: Brian Dear Rabbi, It seems to me that the reason we search for bread is to remove it from the house. So I’m a bit perplexed as to why we intentionally hide pieces of bread around the house before the search. Any insights? Dear Brian, The purpose of the search is certainly to find[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of Haman being hanged on a tree? Dear Melissa, The Sages taught (Ester Raba 9:2) that when Haman became infuriated with Mordechai for not bowing before him as everyone else did, his wicked wife Zeresh advised him to plot a death for Mordechai that none of his[…]
From: Carrie Dear Rabbi, Haman was a malicious maniac who demanded homage from all – and most people obeyed. What I’m wondering is why Mordechai didn’t bow as well. Aside from this being one of the venues through which the salvation occurred, what were Mordechai’s reasons for not bowing down in honor of Haman as[…]
From: Bracha Dear Rabbi, The holiday of Chanuka has a lot to do with the re-dedication of the Temple and re-assertion of Jewish independence from the Greeks. But although we’re told why the first and second Temples were destroyed, I am not aware of what happened after the Hasmonean liberation such that the Romans ended[…]
From: Michal Dear Rabbi, On Chanuka we recite the blessing which praises G‑d for “performing miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time.” Please remind me what’s particular about reciting “at this time”. Also, as far as I remember, the Sages didn’t actually decree observance at the time of the miracle, but rather[…]
From: Melissa Dear Rabbi, I know it’s a mitzvah to build the succah, which in our home the men and boys usually do, but it’s usually the women and girls who do the decorating. Is the decorating of the succah also a mitzva? Dear Melissa, Decorating the succah is definitely a very important part of[…]
From: Leon Dear Rabbi, The shofar is blown on Rosh Hashana in order to recall our merits before G‑d on the Day of Judgment. In fact, I think it’s blown something like 100 times. But why is the shofar blown on Yom Kippur? Or more accurately, why is it blown after the “Neila” service, once[…]
From: Liana Dear Rabbi, I see the astrological sign for Tishrei is Libra. Would you please explain the significance of this and if it has anything to do with the month itself? Thanks. Dear Liana, You are correct, and Libra in Hebrew is “moznayim” which mean balancing scales and it has everything to do with[…]
From: Leonard Dear Rabbi, I know it is important to learn on Shabbat, and particularly with one’s children. But in my case, I am so tired from work by the time Shabbat comes around, that I find it very hard to learn with my children instead of relaxing or napping. Anyway, my kids aren’t thrilled[…]