Question: Dear Rabbi, a friend is dating “out” and I mentioned to him that I really hope they don’t get married. He asked me “Why not?” I told him because it’s wrong, but I didn’t have any solid arguments. He’s a logical person, and I’m sure will seriously consider what I tell him, so I hope you can help me out here. Thanks. AskTheRabbi.org answered: There have been many arguments offered against intermarriage, below is ...
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Question: Dear Rabbi, I have two close friends who recently got into a fight over what I consider a very insignificant matter. It hurts me to see them so angry at each other and I would love to see them make peace. Thanks for any advice! AskTheRabbi.org answered: The Sage Hillel urged us to be disciples of Aharon Hakohen who was "a lover of peace and a pursuer of peace". (Pirkei Avot 1:12). Your ...
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Question: Dear Rabbi, a cousin of mine is pregnant. What’s the accepted way to congratulate her? The only thing that comes to mind is “mazel tov” but somehow that doesn’t sound right. Thanks. AskTheRabbi.org answered: That’s a really good question! When my wife was expecting with one of our children and went for a check-up in the hospital, she recalls that some of the secular Israeli doctors wished her “mazel tov”, which always ...
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Question: Can you explain the significance of having a mezuzah on your house and its power to guard the household, as opposed to it being just a superstitious belief? Thank you! AskTheRabbi.org answered: The mitzvah to put up a mezuzah is taught twice in the Torah. The first two paragraphs of the “Shema Yisrael” are written in the mezuzah since these two paragraphs mention mezuzah. Jewish tradition teaches that in the merit of the ...
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Question: Hi Rabbi, I’m Jewish but never had any formal Jewish education. I want to start studying but also need to work, so I’m wondering if Torah study is meant for someone like me or only for fulltime scholars. Thanks! AskTheRabbi.org answered: Yes, you and the Torah are definitely meant for each other! One of the hallmarks of Jewish life throughout the ages has been a passion for study. This characteristic is so marked ...
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Question: Hi Rabbi, I know that Mother’s Day this year is Sunday, May 13th, but wonder if there’s a Mother’s Day and a Father’s Day in the Jewish religion? AskTheRabbi.org answered: Sure there is! It's called "Honor Thy Father and Mother" Day. It starts on the 1st day of the year and continues on through the 365th. But don't worry, traditionally it doesn’t last more than 120 years for any individual! I assume your ...
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Question: What is the holiday of Lag B’Omer all about? And when is it this year? Thank you. AskTheRabbi.org answered: Please allow me to answer your second question first. This year, 2018, Lag B’Omer is celebrated beginning Wednesday night May 2 and continues on Thursday, May 3 until nightfall. And what is Lag B’Omer all about? Two significant events occurred on this date, and though separated by many years, they both contribute to its ...
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Question: I read of a custom to bless one’s children on Friday night. Would you please tell me a little more about this practice? Thank you! AskTheRabbi.org answered: Blessing the Children Question: I read of a custom to bless one’s children on Friday night. Would you please tell me a little more about this practice? Thank you! AskTheRabbi.org answered: Certainly! A beautiful and widespread Shabbat tradition is to bless one’s children on Friday night. The blessing for each ...
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Question: Why does wine have such a significant role in Judaism? AskTheRabbi.org answered: To answer your question, I have to tell you a joke: A leader of a house of worship was giving a fiery sermon: "If I had all the beer in the world," he said, "I'd take it and throw it in the river; and if I had all the wine in the world, I'd take it and throw it in the ...
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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 observed on Thursday the 27th of Nissan, which is on April 12th. (On other years, if this date is ...
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