Holocaust Remembrance Day

Holocaust Remembrance Day

Question: What is “Holocaust Remembrance Day” and when is it this year? AskTheRabbi.org answered: The official date for “Holocaust Remembrance Day” — “Yom HaShoah” in Hebrew — is the 27th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It commemorates the millions of Jewish people who were murdered during the Holocaust. This year, 2018, it is…

J-Walking

J-Walking

Question: Dear Rabbi, according to Jewish law is it an obligation to obey all traffic laws without exception? I don’t ever recall seeing this in any book of Jewish law. Thanks. AskTheRabbi.org answered: You ask a really important question! I assume the reason that the subject of traffic laws doesn’t appear in classical Jewish writings…

Purim Costumes

Purim Costumes

Question: What is the significance of wearing costumes on Purim? AskTheRabbi.org answered: A simple Jew was once traveling on a journey. He arrived at a certain town near nightfall, and desperately sought lodgings at the town inn. To his dismay, he learned that there was no room in the inn since a group of soldiers were…

The Whole Picture — A story may have many sides

The Whole Picture — A story may have many sides

Question: Hi Rabbi. I heard that Judaism teaches to judge others favorably, which to me sounds similar to not really judging them at all. What does this principle mean and would you give me an example? Thanks! AskTheRabbi.org answered: Yes, we are taught to “judge everyone favorably” (Ethics of the Fathers 1:6). Judging favorably means…