Question: Hi Rabbi, a friend just had a baby and everyone keeps telling him “Mazel tov”. It sounds like they’re wishing the parents congratulations and good luck. But is that really what “Mazel tov” means? Thanks. AskTheRabbi.org answered: Although “Mazel tov” is used almost universally as a phrase of congratulations and a wish for good luck, the words do not literally say that exactly. Nevertheless, the words convey a deeper meaning which is ...

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Question: I saw an ad on campus about a Tu B’Shevat celebration, called “New Year’s Day for the Trees”. Is it like a Jewish Arbor Day? Thank you. AskTheRabbi.org answered: "I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree." Joyce Kilmer, "Trees" The poet sees the work of God in a tree. But why a tree? Why not a mountain, ...

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