From: Robert Dear Rabbi, If a person does something wrong then regrets it, accepting upon himself not to do it again, and then later does the same thing again, over and over, repenting then transgressing, does that help at all? Is there any purpose after a certain point of even repenting? Dear Robert, Our Sages[…]
From: Tzvi Dear Rabbi, Every thinking and sensitive Jew will recognize the need to regret the lack of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. However, since the practices associated with the period up to and during Tisha b’Av are so much about mourning, it makes me wonder whether we should feel the loss so palpably that[…]
From: Joshua Dear Rabbi, I understand “Seder” means order, but I must admit, I find it very difficult to understand the order of the Seder. Could you please outline what it’s all about? Dear Joshua, You’re not the only one who has trouble seeing the order in the Seder. In fact, part of the Seder[…]
From: Moshe Dear Rabbi, Is it not enough to refrain from eating bread on Passover? Why do we make such an effort to remove bread products from our homes? Dear Moshe, Even if one fulfills all the mitzvot associated with Passover like eating matza and maror, telling the story of the Exodus in the Haggada,[…]
From: Carla Dear Rabbi, If G‑d told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved in Egypt but would be redeemed, then why did He exile them there in the first place? Dear Carla, This question is related to the essence of the month of redemption itself, Nisan. One who experiences redemption has emerged from darkness[…]
From: Scott Dear Rabbi, I understand why we are to drink wine on Purim, but why is it important to eat a special meal? Dear Scott, One reason is that the decree of Achashverosh and Haman was directed against the “body” of the Jewish People. There was no interest or attempt to uproot the Jews[…]
From: Michal Dear Rabbi, My husband and I are not really sure what’s appropriate gift-giving for Chanuka. Clearly the kids will be there when we light the menorah every night, we’ll tell them about Chanuka, and get them some books. But are they supposed to get gifts/gelt/how often/how many? What’s too much and what’s too[…]
From: Amanda Dear Rabbi, Is there a concept of New Year’s resolutions in Judaism for Rosh Hashana? Thanks for your time! Dear Amanda, The answer is yes, and presumably even more so than in what’s generally associated with the non-Jewish New Year. For most who attribute significance to December 31/January 1, the celebrations of the[…]
From: Manya Dear Rabbi, The three-week period of mourning for the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash is always so depressing. There are so many don’ts, that I personally feel overwhelmed and overly-limited. Is there anything positive that can be done during this period to help us remember the Temple and stir up longing for its[…]
From: Marsha Dear Rabbi, Would you please fill me in on the significance of the four cups at the Passover Seder? Dear Marsha, It is a mitzva to drink four cups of wine during the Seder at specific points in the Haggada: One for kiddush, one for the mitzva of haggada (the retelling of the[…]