I'm
invited to a Bar-Mitzvah, do I have to bring a present?
It's nice to, and in some circles expected, but not a must.
Often, it doesn't have to be a lot, just a token of your
thoughtfulness for this new young man, embarking on a new era
in his life.
Where can I find Chassidic Melodies online?
Click here for Chabad classics
they have a nice selection of Chassidic Melodies.
I
have a nice Mezuzah, but no scroll, is that enough?
The other way around would be much better. The handwritten
parchment scroll IS the Mezuzah, while the colorfully designed
box is only an ornamental cover. I can get you a Mezuzah for
about $36. It's worth it.
I
need a thoughtful insight to this week's Torah portion, where
can I go online?
Click here for their "weekly online magazine ".
Excellent stuff.
Are Persian Jews different from Sefardic Jews?
Generally speaking they're grouped together, and
Persian Jews share many characteristics and customs with
Sefardic Jews. Historically though, Persian Jews pre-date the
divide between Ashkenasic and Sefardic communities, as they
remained in the Iraq-Iran, Bavel-Persia area, where Jews were
first exiled after the Destruction of the First Temple.
Is
Challah meant to be pulled apart by hand, or cut with a knife?
Sefardic / Middle Eastern Jews have a custom to pull the soft,
luscious loaves apart by hand. Others have told me that their
families have a similar tradition. Personally we use a knife,
and there's a lot of tradition behind that, too.
What's a "Sheva Brachos"?
For a full week after marriage, the celebration continues.
Each meal family and friends enjoy together with the bride and
groom, is a Sheva Brachos meal, with 7 special blessings
recited by guests, following the Grace after Meals (the same 7
as under the wedding canopy). Ten must have eaten together to
say the blessings, and at least one, has to be a "new face"
who had not been to any of the previous celebrations.
Does the Talmud say anything about the shape of the world?
Sure does. The Jerusalem Talmud (1900 years old), quoted in
Tosefos (900 year old commentary printed alongside the
Babylonian Talmud) says "the world is circular as a ball"
(Talmud Avodah Zara 41a).
Is Veal Kosher?
According to the strictly technical rules of Kosher, Yes. Some
Jews don't feel comfortable with eating veal because of the
conditions in which most such animals are raised, and that's
OK, but not to be confused with Kosher Laws. Kosher may happen
to be more humane and sanitary, but that's not what defines
Kosher.
Why are Bar-Mitzvahs at 13, and Bat Mitzvahs at 12?
Don't you know? Girls mature earlier.
Why is the Jewish New Year in September?
Actually, depends which year. September
seems to be a more reasonable start than January. It's the
beginning, because the Torah itself declares this specific
time to be a Head of the Year, a period of renewal.
Is
there history behind Yom Kippur?
Plenty. Moses came down with the 2nd Tablets on Yom Kippur,
along with G-d's pardon for the Jews' first big sin. Yom
Kippur is written right in the Torah, as a fast day, a day of
atonement, the "One" day a year. More recently Arab nations
open war against Israel in 1973 on Yom Kippur.
Where can I get a Free Bible?
Sorry I don't provide this service. But you're welcome to stop
over and borrow one for a while. There might be some Christian
groups that will give them away, but remember, even their Old
Testament is not exactly the same as our Torah, as many
mistranslations and discrepancies appear in their versions.
Many of these are deliberate changes to try and validate
Christian beliefs. For Jews, it's better to get it from a
Jewish source. It's possible to download and print large
Torah portions off the Internet.
What does Judaism say about Capital Punishment?
The Torah enumerates specific offences, both religious and
civil, punishable by the death penalty. However as any student
of the Talmudic tractate "Sanhedrin" (Courts) knows, a myriad
of complex conditions must be met for the courts to actually
mete out this punishment. It was more of a indication of the
severity of the offense, than it was done in practice. In fact
the Talmud says, "a Court which put one man to death in
seventy years, was considered a murderous court". (Since the
destruction of the 2nd Temple, religious courts have not
judged capital offences).
I'm going to Hawaii, is there Judaism there?
Click Here and look up the Chabad Lubavitch
Rabbi there. The Rebbe encouraged his Chassidim to take up
posts even in the most unlikely or difficult places, wherever
Jews may be, so that's your best bet.
Did Ezra write part of the Torah?
No. Ezra, one of the builders of the 2nd Temple, brought a
forgotten Torah to a generation who had neglected it.
Rabbi, can you endorse my candidancy?
I
endorse you, but can't endorse your running for office.
I don't get involved in these things, don't take it personal.
My
roommate isn't cleaning up his Chametz, what should I do?
Can I sell the Chametz myself (w/o the Rabbi) to a non-Jewish
friend?
The form you fill out to give to the Rabbi is not the actual
sale document, it only authorizes the Rabbi to act as your
agent. The document the Rabbi uses is a complex legal document
that ensures that the sale is complete, and legal tender - yet
allows for the return of the Chametz after Pesach. Better sell
it through the Rabbi using the official sale documents.
Why are Sefardic Jews allowed to eat Rice on Passover?
The question is the other way around: Why can't Ashkenasic
Jews (of European descent) eat Rice, which is not included in
the Torah or Talmud's definition of Chametz? The answer to
that is, European Rabbis of more than a millenium ago,
unanimously added Rice (beans, and corn) to the list of (Rabbinically)
forbidden foods on Passover, because they too can be ground up
as a flour and made into bread (we consumers of ready made
processed foods may not realize the concern). The Rabbis of
the Sefardic communities (Mediteranean lands) never adopted
this Rabbinic decree, so it never became their tradition.
Why does Coke need to be Kosher for Pesach, is there leaven in
there?
All kosher foods, especially for Passover require reliable
kosher certification, due to a multitude of reasons including
flavors, additives and equipment. Reading the label is never
enough. But Coke has a different problem. All year long Coke
uses Corn Syrup and/or Sugar. Corn Syrup is not permitted for
Jews of Ashkenasic descent (see above question). So for
Passover, Coke specifically substitutes all the Corn Syrup
with regular Cane Sugar. I can't tell the difference, but Coke
mavens will assure you that the Kosher for Passover runs of
Coke taste sweeter.
What's the Scribe looking for when he checks my Tefillin?
Cracked, faded or missing letters. Moisture, extreme Temps and
time can adversely affect your Tefillin's condition, and so
they need to be checked every couple of years. Think of it as
a Tune-Up, to make sure all parts are in working condition.
Is
Tequila Kosher?
In
moderate amounts, yes. The varieties with the worm inside are
not.
Who wrote the Mishna?
Rabbi Judah the Prince or as he was called: Rebbe
(teacher). He compiled the Mishna circa 218 C.E. He was the
first to officially commit to writing the teachings of the
Oral Law which was passed down, studied, discussed and
observed in an uninterrupted chain from Sinai till his (our)
day. The Mishna is divided into 6 main "orders" which comprise
in very terse, skeletal form all of Jewish Law. The Mishna
provides the basis for the Talmud which expounds on the
Mishna's teachings, in much greater depth,with immense detail
and very lengthy discussion.
In
the Purim Packet you distributed on campus you gave a
different reason for eating Hamantaschen than the one I always
heard?
You're right. What I wrote about concealment, and
the 3 sides of the dough coming together is not the famous
reason we all heard for eating these delicious cookies. But I
did hear the interpretation printed on the card from teachers
of mine, and I felt that this one leaves the reader with more
"food for thought" than simply "Haman's Ears" or "Haman's
Hat".
Why do more Jews register as Democrats than Republicans?
This is not an endorsement of either party, only an
historical observation (nothing religious about this
question). The trend is slowly decreasing, it used to be this
way because of several reasons. (1) Jews love social issues
(civil liberties included), and often believe societal
concerns and charities are not a kindness but a justice. (2)
It was also for many years easier for Jews to get involved in
the Democratic party, as there are less barriers for entry.
Even today, most elected Jewish officials are Democrats. (3)
Many Jewish communities were established in large urban
centers, so in order for them to be able to influence the
local primaries they needed to register Democrat. (4) Many of
the early (early 1900's) active Jews in US politics had
labor/socialist leanings, as they came from Eastern Europe.
Democrats supported goverment benefits for immigrants, and the
poor working class. Today some of the religious communities in
NY support Republican platforms, which include school
vouchers, aid to parochial schools, strong support for Israel,
family friendly issues, and a strong stance against crime.
My
grandmother died this day last year. What can I do in her
memory?
Kaddish is the prayer said on a "yartzait" -
anniversary of passing. But we don't say the Mourners' Kaddish
while both of our parents are living. There's a prayer called
"Kayl Moleh" said while holding the Torah, just before it's
put back in the Ark, for mourners at an anniversary time. We
can perpetuate the memory of a loved one, by giving extra
charity, studying some Torah, get-together with the family and
remember her with stories and lessons. Our beloved ancestors
live on, not only in our memory, but also in the lives we
lead.
Why do some Chassidic Jews have long side-curls?
Just for "station-indentification" purposes, I am a
Lubavitcher Chassid. We don't have long curls (though we have
full beards) and although we share basic elements of
Chassidism with other Chassidic groups, we differ in many
ways...
Back
to the side-curls. They never cut their side-curls as they
interpret the verse which forbids us to shave off the "corners
of our head" in the strictest sense. Most other observant Jews
just leave a bit in front of the ear. (And, not all Jews with
long curls throw stones at other Jews on Shabbat). BTW - this
Mitzvah got easier, sideburns are now in style.
Some of the Talmud's extensions of Torah's prohibitions seem
like a stretch to me?
It all depends how we view the Torah. In Hospitals
extremely strict precauctions are taken to avoid the slightest
possibility, however remote, of contamination by disease. If
you take the Torah seriously enough, all the safeguards and
precautions the Rabbis set in place make sense. And the more
we research the issues, the more we understand the rationale
behind the extensions on the Torah's prohibitions. Things seem
farfetched when we know little about them.
Is
it true that Purim Food Gifts need to have one sweet & one
baked item?
Not exactly, but I see where you're coming from. It is
customary to send a minimum of 2 food items to a friend for
the Purim holiday. The foods are supposed to be of different
types, (i.e. a fruit & a cookie, a candy & a fruit, or a
cookie & a drink). Often people send a baked item, because
Hamantaschen are the traditional Purim cookie, and on
Festivals people like sweet foods.
OK, Laws are important - but what's the big deal about a
custom?
Put it this way: You buy your fiance an expensive diamond
ring. The store gives you a little cardboard box with a soft,
cushioned velvety inside. Though it doesn't cost much, it
creates an effect and atmosphere for the diamond ring. Imagine
giving her the ring in a greasy paper bag left over from
lunch. Customs aren't the Torah itself, and vary from
community to community. But they are so important for they
provide the setting and atmosphere for the laws to be
appreciated.
How is "don't cook a kid-goat in its mother's milk" a source
for not mixing milk & meat??
The written Torah is complemented and explained in great
length in the Oral Torah (which shares the same source at
Sinai). Think of it like opening a folder on a friend's
computer (with permission, of course). Dozens of file names
pop up. The file names tell you just a hint of what's inside
the file, and sometimes the names aren't all that direct. The
Written Torah is the folder, with all the file names of
Mitzvahs inside. In order to make any sense out of it - you
need to open up the Oral file on that. This verse is an
excellent example: Fat and Milk share the exact same Hebrew
spelling, the only difference is in pronunciation. If not for
an Oral tradition, we would never know from the text - is it
the mother's milk or fat?
Do
Jewish civil courts operate today in the US?
Good point. Part of the Talmud is a huge body
of in-depth and complex civil and legal law, and there are
Rabbinical courts that judge cases according to this system,
even in the US. In fact NYS Courts recognize Rabbinical court
authority as arbitrators (because both parties have agreed to
abide by the decision). If both parties are comfortable with
the case being judged as the Talmud says, it's a good place to
go. The only drawback? The law of the land, and its police
don't enforce these rulings.
Which doors need a Mezuzah?
All doors of any decent sized room (area of 6'x6')
which we inhabit: live, sleep, work or eat. Exceptions include
the bathroom, a barn, rooms exclusively used for storage, or
temporary places lived in for less than 30 days. The basic
Mezuzah costs about $30 (as it must be handwritten
meticulously by a scribe with quill on parchment) so some
people put them up only at the front door and on the kitchen.
Mezuzahs offer "great protection" and welcome G-d into our
home. The Mitzvah of Mezuzah comes from the Torah portion of "Shema"
(Hear O' Israel) - which is written in the Mezuzah.
I'm used to
wearing a Kippa only during prayer, why do some wear it all
the time?
To
tell the truth, Yarmulka (from the Talmudic phrase: "fear of
the king") or Kippa (which means (domed) covering) is not a
Mitzvah of Torah or Rabbinic origin (outside of prayer) though
the Talmud does mention its importance. Which is why it's OK
for many Jews to wear it only during prayer or special Jewish
events. But because it is an expression of Jewish identity, it
is the custom of many Jews to wear it all the time. (In fact
in some circles, as with the Orthodox community in a major
metro Jewish area like NYC where it is more accepted and
expected, not wearing one makes you stand out). It represents
that there is something (G-d) that's above us (our heads) and
it is a sign of respect and awe. It reminds us that our
desires and even our intellect are not the final say. I think
what's most important is that nowadays, it has come to mean:
Hey. I'm Jewish and I'm proud of it! - which is why many folks
don't want to take it off, because we really want to stay
connected with our Jewishness at all times. But not wearing it
all the time, is surely no sign of any disrespect or
alienation.
Why pray using a text someone else wrote? Shouldn't it come
from the heart?
First of all there are special slots throughout the
prayer, even during the Amida, where we can add our own
prayer, in our own words. Why does prayer need formalities?
For structure. Maimonides writes: The Biblical Mitzvah of
Prayer is that one should pray to G-d each day for his/her
needs. Later the Rabbis developed a formal structure to be
able to properly express that inner prayer. (Ex. the purpose
of an education is to gain knowledge, skill etc. So go to a
library, immerse yourself and forget about all this school
structure. Ah, but people aren't like that. We need structure.
Otherwise we aren't as motivated, lack the knowledge to find
more knowledge, don't realize what they're really reading
etc). Think of it as a lawyer coaching a (honest) client. The
client knows his story best, but needs the lawyer to help
articulate that personal conviction into legalese accepted by
the courts. I've heard Chassidic elders say: the prayerbook's
letters themselves are dumb and lifeless. Our heartfelt
emotions give them life. One more thing: Those who wrote the
prayers (King David, The Great Assembly & others) knew what
they were doing. To those who understand and appreciate them,
these words are meaningful 'till this day. These words are
"pregnant" with many rich layers of deep meaning hidden
within.
Am I supposed to say a blessing after
crossing the Atlantic?
The "Gomel" blessing
is recited for being saved from 4 general types of danger. 1)
overseas travel 2) captivity/prison 3) seriously ill
health/operation 4) travel through uncivilized place ; or any
near brush with death. Although air travel today is common
and safe, since the verse (Psalms 107) mentions these specific
dangers, it is still customary to say the Gomel blessing. It
is only recited with a minyan, and preferably while the Torah
is present. Everyone responds with Amen, and "as you were
blessed in this, may you be blessed with much good always".
Can a Sabbath observant Jew own stocks in
companies that operate on the Sabbath? Can Jews own Nabisco
(cookie maker) stocks over Passover?
Interesting question.
Though shareholders own a "little piece" of the company,
unless they're on the board of directors they don't have much
say. Which leads many Rabbis to say that it is considered
indirect ownership and is permitted.
Some
say we should "sell" these stocks along with the rest of our
Chametz, and therefore it's best to do so. All agree however,
that we are not to buy or sell these stocks directly during
the Passover holiday.
What are those little strings hanging out of
your shirt?
Glad you asked. Some
folks think my underwear is unraveling and are worried their
curiosity might embarrass me. Nothing of the sort. While many
Jews wear prayer shawls at the Synagogue, some Jews wear a
mini-version called "Tzitzis" under the shirt, all the time.
It's a Biblical commandment, and is supposed to serve as a
reminder to fulfill all the other good things. There is
actually a lot of significance to the exact number of strings,
knots and more. (I am planning a workshop one day, so that we
can make them ourselves).
Does the Torah have a
different name for a Jew who is an idol-worshiper?
Absolutely not!
A
Jew, is a Jew, is a Jew. Although in no way is Torah
justifing his/her actions, there is nothing we can do (even
conversion) that would change the Torah's view of us as Jews.
"Even though he has sinned, he is a Jew" (Talmud Sanhedrin
44a). (The honorary title used in this passage is "Yisrael"
(Israel) which is the name given to Jacob after wrestling with
the angel). On the other hand, there is the practical title of
"Yisrael Mumar" for a deserter of the faith. Certain
restrictions apply to these Jews, but they are only directed
at one's behaviors, but not at all to the essential identity
issue.
Why are the Menorah's lights
supposed to be in a straight row (not of varying heights)?
The number of candles
lit each night is supposed to be clearly discernable to an
onlooker from a distance (which is why we light the Menorah at
the window or door).
Why mess with Chanukah
candles? Why not light an Electric Menorah?
Electric Menorahs
serve a great purpose of getting the Chanukah message out, and
as the Talmud says: "publicize the miracle". But sorry, an
electric menorah is no subsititute for good ol' candles or
oil. They're closer to the original miracle, and electricity
is not considered "a stash of fuel" that slowly depletes
itself through burning.
Why does a "nick" in the
ritual slaughtering blade render the animal unkosher?
One of the Ritual
Slaughter's (Shochet in Hebrew) main skills is to be able to
sharpen/hone his blade to be perfectly smooth, even the
slightest nick disqualifies the knife. The cut is to be as
quick and painless as possible, without any "hesitation" in
the cut, due to even the slightest nick in the blade. My
grandfather was a Shochet, and would sometimes spend hours
sharpening his knife over a stone and a bucket of water, while
studying all the while.
What does Judaism have to
say about "failing a class"?
Plenty. Here are 3 quotes.
1) If someone says: "I've tried, but not succeeded" Don't
believe him.
If someone says: "I haven't tried, but I've succeeded" Don't
believe him either.
Only someone who says: "I've tried and succeeded" should be
believed. (Talmud Megilla 6b)
2) "Study your Heart's Desire" - you do best in the field you
enjoy. (Talmud Avoda Zara 19a)
3) "Seven times the righteous fall, but rises again" - Don't
let it stop you! (Proverbs 24:16)
Is it OK for a Jew to
celebrate the Millenium?
These 2000 years
count back to someone Jews don't believe in. So this number
doesn't have much significance to us. On the other hand, the
secular/non-religious hype isn't traif (non-kosher). Jews love
to utilize and channel all neutral things of this world
towards a positive and joyous end. Don't get carried away,
though. Jan 1st will be on a Friday Night, so instead of
fireworks we light candles, instead of drinking to oblivion,
we drink Kiddush. (Not to say, that we can't pop a few bottles
of champagne, too. After all, who can say no to a
celebration?) But we can't forget what really "counts" to us.
How can there be a G-d, if
the Holocaust can happen?
Why bad things happen
to good people is an old question. But we can only ask that
question, if we believe in G-d. If we, and the world we live
in, is only a statistical improbability that came about by
some freak accident, without intelligent design or purpose
behind all of existence, then we can't ask these questions.
Going by the G-dless theory, there can be no intrinsic or
absolute meaning to life, just as absolute moral right and
wrong are impossible. With G-d, some things defy meaning (I
refuse to explain the Holocaust as a punishment - we don't
have G-d all figured out), but much of the rest fits into the
picture. There's a lot more to this issue, but for longer
answers we've gotta talk.
Is Gambling "Kosher"?
Not really. Due to
the high stakes and irrational risks involved, few give up
their money whole-heartedly. Exceptions include when (smaller
amounts of) monies go toward a charity, people are more
willing to give it up as goes to a good cause anyways. The
Talmud doesn't think much of people who gamble regularly for a
living, and considers them unfit for testimony. A charity
raffle and the like are exceptions where larger amounts are
still kosher, because the "gambling" factor is clearly
secondary. (Another issue is with the atmosphere that comes
along with the territory, but that's not about gambling
itself).
Why doesn't the Rabbi shake
hands with women?
My mother taught me:
Don't touch what doesn't belong to you. Where I come from, all
physical affection takes place in private, and is reserved to
the person we're married to. It's just a handshake, you say?
That's the problem today, nothing is sensual and sexual
anymore. For all of today's sexual openness, we've lost our
natural sexual sensitivity. Hey, I'm big on shaking hands with
a woman, but only with one.
Why do we wash our hands
before eating Challah bread?
It's a continuation
of the ritual washing the priests did in the Temple. Eating
can be more than wolfing good food down, with the proper
perspective and setting it can become a noble, holy service.
We dip our bread in salt to remind us that our table can be as
holy as the Altar, upon which salt was offered with every
sacrifice.
I'd like to wear Tefillin
(Phylacteries) but I'm not up to praying for an hour. Can I?
Absolutely! Tefillin and
Prayer are separate Mitzvahs (commandments) that are
best done together. Tefillin itself shouldn't take more than 5
minutes (wrap on, say the 1st part of the Shema and wrap up).
POT! (Put On Tefillin) - it's a great (quick, but lasting)
Mitzvah. "All the Torah is compared to Tefillin","If you don't
have lots of time for Torah study, Tefillin is a good
substitute under the circumstances" ( - the Talmud).
Do we believe in Hell??
Not the hell
others believe in. Belief in the Afterlife and in Reward &
Punishment (consequence of our choices) are in Maimonides'
basic 13 Principles of Judaism. But there's no eternal
damnation in our books, and hell is more of a
soul-refinery (spiritual washing machine with hot and cold
cycles, if you will) than a punishment.
Hell isn't a physical place, so this story shouldn't be taken
literally. Someone was shown a vision of dinnertime in heaven
and in hell. Both had tables laden with food, but the utensils
were useless as they were over two feet long. In hell they
went hungry, and in heaven they fed each other across the
table.
