Apology Guidelines- If a person has done something to wrong another person, and wants to make amends, I know he is supposed to apologize. But in this case the person he wronged doesn't know he has been wronged – and if he… 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 »
Blessing on Natural Wonders- We will be traveling to Switzerland on vacation. When you visit the gorgeous mountains, is there a special blessing to recite? More »
Blessings on Thunder and Lightning- Yesterday evening a powerful thunderstorm came out of nowhere. I found myself jolted to attention and literally cowering – covering my ears at every blast of thunder. I was curious if the Sages have anything to say about such powerful… More »
Cheating on Tests – Repentance- I cheated on a school test recently and I feel guilty about it. What should I do now? Should I confess to the teacher? More »
Children Punished for Sins of Parents- How do we understand verses such as Exodus 20:5 (in the Ten Commandments) that God punishes not only sinners, but their descendants till four generations? How is it possibly fair to punish children for that which they did not do? More »
Court Punishments- I recently heard a rabbi speak about returning stolen funds. He said that rather than calling the police, the money could be returned anonymously. What is wrong with facing any criminal charges that you may deserve? Isn't that a part… More »
Exercise on Shabbat- How would you explain why my rabbi says not to exercise on Shabbat, although I find it fun and relaxing? More »
Eye for an Eye- I recently heard a talk explaining "an eye for an eye" in the Torah. As society has become less barbaric, the rabbis reinterpreted the verse to mean one pays the damages for the eye, instead of actually taking out the… More »
Judaism and Snakes- I have always had the impression that snakes are inherently evil. I’m sure it’s an idea I picked up from the Genesis account of the Serpent tempting Adam and Eve to sin. Is there any accuracy to this? In fact,… More »
Marriage – Older Couple- I’m happy to write that I recently met the woman of my life. After the failed marriage of my younger years, I feel I have at last met my true soul mate! We look forward to marrying in due time.… More »
Mezuzah in Office- I own a small company. I rent office space for it in a nearby business park. Does it require a mezuzah? More »
Rape- I was reading in an online forum that Judaism advocates that a rapist marry his victim. This sounds so backward and oppressive, and difficult to reconcile with the compassionate Judaism that I know and love. Is what I read accurate? More »
Sexual Immorality – Giving Up One's Life- I read that all the Torah's commandments "can be broken to save a life" except for three. I think I understand two of the three: 1) Idolatry - this would threaten the very fabric of Judaism and therefore cannot be… More »
Sibling Rivalry- I recently attended a family reunion. My parents were there, as well as my brothers with their wives and kids. My brothers are very bitter toward my parents, and have also distanced themselves from me. I think my brothers are… More »
Significance of Hebrew Year- I know the Hebrew calendar year is counted from Rosh Hashanah, and the current year is 5778. But what is that measuring – the years since the world’s creation? More »
Springtime Blessing – Flowering Fruit Trees- I was recently at the springtime Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. I was astounded by the beauty of it all. It made me think I should praise God in some way for the beauty He created in this world.… More »
Stolen Funds- In my college days, I stole approximately $300. This was 7 years ago. I have wanted to give it back all this time. But I am too embarrassed to tell the guy I stole from. Also, he might go to… More »
Test of Arrogance- I am a high school student, and have a dilemma that has been bothering me for some time. I hope you can help me. After a test, my teacher posts the highest marks on the bulletin board. I have gotten… More »
Who is a Leader?- How does one become a Jewish leader? Is there particular career path that you would recommend following? More »
Raise a Glass to Freedom
