Dizzy & Sick From Fasting- It’s almost impossible for me to survive fast days. I get dizzy, sweaty, and nauseous to the point of throwing up. And I’m sick for two days after. I certainly wouldn’t be able to go to synagogue this Yom Kippur… More »
Easy Fast- Every year as Yom Kippur approaches, I get into an anxiety mode. I have a really hard time fasting without food or water for an entire day. I try to eat a huge meal right before the fast, but it… More »
Eating on Yom Kippur?- It has come to that time of year again when my family argues over whether my 81-year-old grandfather should fast on Yom Kippur. This year, however, the situation is slightly different, since less than a year ago he was in… More »
Few in Number- Rabbi Shraga Simmons shares an inspiring insight from the weekly Torah portion. Your life can change in just one minute! To download the MP3 file to your computer, "right click" on the link and select "save target as." IAM_vetchanan_Shraga_2003.mp3 More »
Holy Purim Day- I was told by a friend that Purim is considered the holiest day in the Jewish year. That sounds a little far-out to me. This guy likes to party a lot. Is what he’s saying true? More »
Leather Shoes- I am used to the idea of not wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur. But recently my mother died and the rabbi said that I shouldn’t wear leather shoes for a whole week. Why not? More »
Nicotine Patch- I'm trying to kick the smoking habit, but I still need my daily fix. Am I allowed to use a nicotine patch on Yom Kippur? More »
Priest on a Rope- I heard something about tying a rope to the High Priest in the Holy Temple. What was that all about? More »
Temple Service - Two Little Goats- I’ve always been puzzled: What is the significance of the casting lots on two identical goats during the Yom Kippur service in the Holy Temple? More »
The Cruel Death of the Scapegoat- In the Yom Kippur service with the two goats, it bothers me that one of the goats – the se’ir la’azazel – is taken out to be pushed off a cliff. The Mishna (Yoma 6:6) teaches that it was dashed… More »
The Nose & Smells- I've always found something quite spiritual about my sense of smell. And having read that the highlight of the Yom Kippur service in the Holy Temple was bringing incense into the Holy of Holies, I can't help but wonder about… More »
What is the Purpose of Fasting?- Why do we fast? What function does it serve in our spiritual life? How can being hungry and thirsty help us connect? More »
Why Fast?- My daughter, a preschool teacher, has a child in her class with sickle cell anemia who is presently in the hospital. Yesterday she visited the hospital and was instrumental in cheering up the child. She was asked by the family… More »
Yom Kippur for Two Days- I was wondering why Yom Kippur is not observed for two days as the other major holidays in the Diaspora. I know it would be almost impossible, but if there is a doubt when Rosh Hashanah is (and so we… More »
You Know More Hebrew Words Than You Think
