Blue Tallit Stripes– Why is a particular blue color associated with Judaism? For example the Israeli flag, and the stripes on the tallit.More »
Blue Techelet Thread– I was in Israel recently and saw some religious men wearing tzitzit strings with a blue thread. I thought the strings were supposed to be white. What was this blue?More »
Cutting Tzitzit Strings– I just tied my own tzitzit, but some of the strings came out much too long. Is there anything wrong with just cutting them down with a pair of scissors?More »
Is Wearing Tefillin a Literal Commandment?– The beautiful verses of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) teach us to love God and serve Him with our entire heart and soul. We should speak of His laws while at home or on the way, when we rise and when…More »
Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin– I had recently brought in my Tefillin to be checked. For those few days that I didn’t have them, I wore an old pair in the house which used to be my grandfather’s. They are Rabbeinu Tam Tefillin. Afterwards, someone…More »
Rashi's Daughters– Is it true that Rashi's daughters wore Tefillin? If so, what is the source? Why could those women wear them and other women not?More »
Kippah for a Non-Jew– I have a few Jewish friends who wear kippahs and sometimes when I'm hanging out with them I feel out of place. Even though I am not Jewish, would there be any problem with me wearing a kippah, too?More »
Being Conspicuously Jewish– Please help me understand why Jews continue to identify themselves publicly. With all the violence towards Jews for thousands of years shouldn't we stop making ourselves a target?More »
Men's and Women's Clothing– I was in a vintage clothing store and saw a great shirt that looked comfortable. I was about to buy it and the salesperson said, "Is this for you? You know, this is a woman's blouse." I was surprised, and…More »
Chanukat HaBayit– We just bought our first home and will be moving in another few weeks. We wanted to make a house-warming party. Is there anything like this in Jewish tradition?More »
Hamsa– I received a gift from an Israeli friend. It is a beautiful mosaic Hamsa, or Miriam's Hand. I am interested in the Hebrew prayer that appears on the back of it. I am wondering if there is an English or…More »
Mezuzah – College Dorm– I’m moving into a college dorm very soon and would like to know if the room requires a mezuzah. I don’t know in advance who all my roommates will be, or if they will all be Jewish.More »
Body Piercing– Everybody in my high school is getting their body parts pierced. I think some of the piercing is attractive – like multiple earrings or the navel. But some of them are gross – studs in the tongue or pierced eyebrows.…More »
Cosmetic Surgery– What does the Torah say about nose jobs – both from a legal and philosophic point of view? Are they permitted, or is this considered tampering with Creation?More »
Tattoo - Holocaust– I have a tattoo on my left arm from the German Auschwitz camp. Since the Torah prohibits tattoos, should I get it removed?More »
Electric Shavers– I am becoming more observant and am now ready to “tackle” the mitzvah of not shaving the beard with a razor. Can you give me some guidelines for how this works, and what my options are?More »
Fingernails– I know that Judaism has something to say about every aspect of existence and our lives. But I never imagined there was something to know about fingernails, until my friend said there is a specific order to cut them. What’s…More »
Peyos - Sidelocks– What is the meaning of the long curls worn by religious Jewish men?More »
Entering a Church– I am a university student and have a perplexing problem. Our Hillel House is going to be torn down next year, and while it is being built the students will be using a Catholic church for Shabbat dinner and services.…More »
Genizah (Sheimos) – Burial Procedure– I have some printouts with Torah content which I don’t have use for. Do I have to bury them? I don’t live near a synagogue so I would have to do it myself.More »
Those Shameful Thoughts and What They Really Say about You
