General

Basis of Jewish Belief – I am proud of my Jewish identity, but I don’t get this whole thing about Jewish tradition and observance. I enjoy Jewish music, and have a lot of Jewish friends. Isn’t that enough? 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 »
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 »
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Prayer & Blessings

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 »
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Kashrut

Cholov Yisrael Milk – I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this? More »
Giraffe Burgers? – Hi, I’m standing here in the zoo and want to know if giraffes are kosher. Thank you very much! More »
Kosher Slaughtering – There has been a lot of controversy lately about kosher methods of slaughtering meat. I always thought that kosher was more humane, but now I’m hearing a lot of negative press. What exactly does kosher slaughter involve? More »
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Monetary

Women

Kol Isha – Why can't women sing in front of men? And further - why is there a double-standard whereby women can listen to men singing? Shouldn't we have the same law for men and women? 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 »
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 »

Land-based Mitzvot

Abraham – the First Jew – Why is Abraham considered the first Jew? More »
Animal Offerings Today – I was reading the Book of Leviticus and this got me wondering: Why don't Jews bring animal offerings today? I know there is no Holy Temple in Jerusalem, but does that prevent any offerings from being done? More »
Cutting Down Fruit Trees – We have a canistel (or eggfruit) tree our backyard which we’d like to get rid of. We do not eat its fruit, and the fruit and leaves make a constant mess. I haven’t found anyone who is interested in its… More »
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Misc. Mitzvot

Aliyah Difficulties – We recently moved to Israel, fulfilling a life dream, but so many things have gone wrong since we arrived – in terms of the lift, our apartment, my job options, and more. I’m hoping the worst of our issues have… 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 »
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 »
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