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 »
Blessing on Bananas and Berries- I was taught that the blessing before eating a fruit is “borei p’ri ha’aitz.” Yet the blessing for bananas is what we say on vegetables, “borei p’ri ha’adamah” When I asked around, no one seemed clear on the reason. One… 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 »
Forgotten Blessing- I am proud of the fact that at my advanced age I am learning to recite the blessings over food for the first time. However, probably also due to my age, I occasionally forget to say the blessing until I… 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 »
Tasting Food- I often need to taste the food I’m preparing to see if it’s ready or seasoned properly. I’m usually not particularly hungry at the time, and I’m not eating to satisfy my hunger, just to see what the food tastes… More »
Washing for Pizza- I’ve heard many different things about the status of pizza. It seems to me the equivalent of bread, yet most people say Mezonot on it and eat it without washing. Can you explain to me what the issue is with… More »
Women Saying Kaddish- Lately I have been attending a new synagogue and I’ve noticed that the women do not say Kaddish. My father’s yahrtzeit is coming up and this has me wondering about the reason for this. More »
Raise a Glass to Freedom
