Question: Hi Rabbi. Do observant Jews celebrate Thanksgiving Day? I “thank you” in advance for taking my question! AskTheRabbi.org answered: Most American Jews observe Thanksgiving the same way most Americans do. They take the day off from work and use it as a time to gather with their family. In addition, they may offer a…
Question: Dear Rabbi, I have a relative who is an alcoholic. He has minimal income and spends his money on his addiction — and then turns to me to help out with bills and normal basic needs such as medical or dental expenses. What do you suggest I do? Thanks. AskTheRabbi.org answered: Being merciful and…
Question: Dear Rabbi, I have a question about making a dog Jewish. Actually, it’s about how to explain to my young daughter that although we are Jewish, our dog can’t be considered Jewish. I didn’t know how to explain it so she asked me to ask a Rabbi so I’m asking you! Thank you for…
Question: Hi. Do you know if there is any truth to the following article that I read? “West Point had a display about Hyam Salomon and the Revolutionary War. He died penniless, having used all his resources to aid the newly formed and poorly supplied American army. The following story is told about him: General…
Question: I’m at an early stage of considering becoming observant in Jewish lifestyle and practices, but something is on my mind that I think holds me back. If I go ahead and follow Jewish Orthodoxy, will I be looked down upon as a “second class citizen” by others who were born observant? Maybe this shouldn’t…
Question: Since the Torah is a special covenant between God and Jewish People, why does it begin with “In the beginning…” instead of the first commandment that God taught the Jewish nation? Thank you. AskTheRabbi.org answered: What a fascinating and thoughtful question! Since we are at the beginning of a new Jewish year, and a…
Question: Why is the holiday of Simchat Torah so happy? AskTheRabbi.org answered: The reading of the Torah is both completed and begun again on Shemini Atzeret (in Israel on the eighth day, and in the Diaspora on the ninth day). This occasion is known as Simchat Torah, the “Joy of the Torah.” Jewish sources trace…
Question: Should dwelling in a Succah booth be a comfortable experience or a rough and tumble “camping out” experience? AskTheRabbi.org answered: A little bit of both. It certainly needs to be comfortable and homey enough that we feel good about being there. This is because Jewish law requires that a person not be uncomfortable due…
Question: What is the purpose of fasting on Yom Kippur? AskTheRabbi.org answered: Fasting is a way of ignoring our physical needs and focusing entirely on our spiritual side. This is in marked contrast to how we often act during the rest of the year, when we tend to our physical needs, often neglecting (and sometimes…
Question: Does Rosh Hashana share any similarities with the Jan. 1st New Year’s Day holiday? Is it a time for making “New Year’s Resolutions”? AskTheRabbi.org answered: While the form of the celebrations may be very different, I can think of two ways in which these days are similar. One similarity is that it is the…