A. Not yet. It depends on student interest, which seems to be growing a bit. There have been times when students put together a Minyan once or twice a week in the Hillel Office in Campus Center, but it all … Read the rest
...A. To enter the building you’d have to ask the folks in charge – or whatever appropriate board. To enter the actual room of worship (especially while services are underway) is a different matter. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (renown halachic authority … Read the rest
...A. “All my limbs will say..” (Psalms 35:10) is a source for involving all the body in prayer. When listening to music, people often do body motions, too. Think of groovin’ at a concert. It is a sign of “being … Read the rest
...A. Jewish Prayer does not involve food. We don’t have wafers or the like. We use prayerbooks, called a Siddur, and depending on custom wear a Tallit or fringed prayer shawl with stripes. During weekday morning prayer guys are supposed … Read the rest
...A. You’re right. Even if someone had concluded their prayers earlier and later joined people praying, there are a few portions of prayer that you’d be required to say along with the congregation. Amen for Kaddish, the response to the … Read the rest
...A. Raisins and Grapes are both Ha’Etz. The unique blessing HaGafen – for the fruit of the vine was only established for wine (or grape juice). (So why call the blessing “fruit of the vine”? – excellent question). Apple … Read the rest
...A. The Purim Story, and is especially relevant today. When Mordechai first heard of Haman’s evil decree to annihilate all the Jews, he was saddened and distraught. Then he saw 3 Jewish kids walking home from school. He stopped them … Read the rest
...A. Some Sefardic communities say that’s OK. Ashkenasic communities only OK it with your parents consent and express wishes, otherwise an elder family friend or charitable organization can be asked to say Kaddish. Many Jews feel uncomfortable saying Kaddish with … Read the rest
...A. Actually it is. The Jews rested / camped in 42 places on their way from the Exodus to the Land of Israel. Also, one of our prayers, “Ana B’Koach” said on Friday Night, has mystical background, and is comprised … Read the rest
...A. The Kabbalists felt that the Sefardic version is a bit more spiritual, more in-line andcompatible with Kabbalistic interpretation. Chassidim like to follow the Kabbalists when possible. But, the “Nusach Sefard” that Chassidim pray is not the same as the … Read the rest
...