Blessing for New Rabbi- I am the cantor's wife and I make the candle blessing before Rosh Hashana. We have a new young rabbi. Do you have a suggestion for a prayer or greeting that would include our new rabbi for me to say… More »
Driving to Synagogue on Shabbat- I enjoy attending synagogue services on Shabbat, but the rabbi told me that it's better to pray at home than to violate a prohibition of Shabbat. I couldn't really see how that’s more important than attending synagogue, which gives me… 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 »
Kaddish - Minyan- What should an individual do if he cannot say Kaddish on a regular basis? Is it better to pray from home if you must drive to Shul on Shabbat? More »
Mincha and Ma’ariv Together; Earliest time for Ma’ariv- Our synagogue says Mincha shortly before sunset and Ma’ariv almost immediately after. I’m wondering if there is any issue doing so. It is only beginning to get dark when Ma’ariv is said. What is the earliest time for Ma’ariv? More »
Minyan of Ten- I was involved in a discussion with a friend and a question came up that we had no answer to: Why does a minyan have 10 people? What is the significance? More »
Synagogue Dues: Pay to Pray?- I can't tell you how frustrated I am. I can go to any synagogue in my area on any given Shabbat to pray, but when it comes to the High Holidays, I need tickets. Some congregations are not even selling… More »
Tallit – Required Size- I have a Tallit which is long and narrow, which covers my head, shoulders and some of my upper body. It’s as large as a good pair of tzitzit. Is that big enough? More »
The Synagogue- What is the significance of the synagogue in Jewish life today? Do you think that the role of the synagogue has changed over the years? What are some of the challenges facing the modern American synagogue? And how are we… More »
Identifying as a Jew
