What's in a Name?– We are expecting a baby and are having trouble picking a name. What general guidelines are there in Jewish tradition? How come the name of the father is never given to the son – e.g. Isaac Levy III or Jacob…More »
Why Bris?– Recently, I was at a website for expectant mothers when I happened upon a forum entitled "To circumcise or not." One Jewish woman posted a message asking for opinions on whether or not she should give a Bris to her…More »
Bar Mitzvah Gift– My nephew is having his bar mitzvah and I am thinking of a gift. In the old days, the gift of choice was a fountain pen, then a Walkman, and today an iPod. But I want to get him something…More »
Bar Mitzvah Speech– I have to speak at my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah in a few weeks. Can you give me some suggestions what I should talk about?More »
Early Bar Mitzvah– My son will be turning 13 God willing this winter in mid-December. Having spoken to several of our relatives, it will be much better for everyone if we would schedule his Bar Mitzvah for Thanksgiving weekend – about two weeks…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 »
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 »
Who is a Mamzer?– My mother has, unfortunately, been through a number of marriages and other living-together arrangements. This has produced a hodge-podge of children from different fathers. I actually was conceived through an affair that my mother had, and she has never revealed…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 »
Passover’s Message of Hope in the Aftermath of Oct. 7
