Outer-Marriage

Outer-Marriage

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…

Pursuing Peace

Pursuing Peace

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…

A Good Time

A Good Time

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…

Who Guards Our Doors?

Who Guards Our Doors?

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…

A National Heritage

A National Heritage

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…

Blessing the Children

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:   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…

Why Wine?

Why Wine?

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…