From: Jake Dear Rabbi, I seem to recall that Purim is connected in some way to another holiday, maybe like Yom Kippur? Is that possible? If so, how? Sorry for the ignorance but I mentioned this to a friend of mine and he said that a holiday from the Torah like Yom Kippur can’t be[…]
From: Matthew Dear Rabbi, Why do the traditional sources seem to downplay the military aspect of Chanuka and focus more on the theme of oil and light? Dear Matthew, Clearly, one of the main reasons for establishing Chanuka as a festival for all Jews in all generations was to commemorate the miraculous military victory of[…]
From: Shiri Dear Rabbi, It is now the month of Elul, a special time for teshuva in preparation and anticipation for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. But I’ve run into a problem. I don’t know exactly how to do teshuva or what path to take. Please set me on course. Dear Shiri, It’s interesting that[…]
From: Helen in the U.K. Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of the statement of Raban Gamliel in the Haggada that one who has not said “Pesach, Matza and Maror” has not fulfilled his obligation? If this is referring to the requirement to tell the Passover story to one’s children, how does the mention of[…]
From: Pamela in Portland, OR Dear Rabbi, I seem to remember some story about school children saving the day for Mordechai against Haman. Could you refresh my memory and explain what that was all about. I teach at a Jewish school and think my kids could relate to the involvement of children in the Purim[…]
From: Jill in Toronto Dear Rabbi, What is the special connection of women to Chanuka? In particular, why do women customarily rest or refrain from work while the candles are burning even though this candle lighting, as opposed to for Shabbat, is done by the men? Dear Jill, Take 1: The reason women rest while[…]
From: Anthony Dear Rabbi, What is the fast of Gedalyah and what does it have to do with the period between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? Is it some type of practice fast in preparation for Yom Kippur? Is it mandatory? Why is it called “Gedalyah”? Please pardon my ignorance. Dear Anthony, Thanks for your[…]
From: Mathew in NY Dear Rabbi, I am planning a family vacation after Tisha b’Av and I would like some advice and guidance on how to make it worthwhile Jewishly speaking. On the one hand, the kids have a lot of Jewish education throughout the year and I don’t want to overburden them with that[…]
From: Barry in Seattle Dear Rabbi, Why do we read the complete hallel for only the first day of Passover but not the rest of the holiday? I think this is different than on Chanuka when we read the complete hallel for the entire holiday. Weren’t the miracles that occurred regarding Passover greater than Chanuka?[…]