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Q. What’s a Hebrew name for hair some Jewish men wear at the temples, in front of the ear?

A. Peyos, or Peyot. It’s the Hebrew word for Corners, and the word used in the Bible when it says “Don’t cut the corners of your head”.… Read the rest

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Q. If there indeed was an era of Prophecy, why did it end?

A. According to our historic tradition, from the time of Moses until the Rebuilding of the 2nd Temple, we enjoyed an era of Prophecy. (While this era did end, prophetic individuals and Jewish leaders throughout the generations are an important … Read the rest

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Q. Are Persian Jews different from Sefardic Jews?

A. 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 … Read the rest

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Q. My grandmother died this day last year. What can I do in her memory?

A. Kaddish is the prayer said on a “yartzeit” – anniversary of passing. But most people don’t say the Mourners’ Kaddish while both of our parents are living (there are personal and communal exceptions to this). There’s a prayer called … Read the rest

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Q. Why do some Chassidic Jews have long side-curls?

A. 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 and history of Chassidism with other Chassidic groups, we differ in many significant ways…  … Read the rest

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Q. Some of the Talmud’s extensions of Torah’s prohibitions seem like a stretch to me?

A. It all depends how we view the Torah. In Hospitals extremely strict precautions 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 … Read the rest

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Q. OK, Laws are important – but what’s the big deal about a custom?

A. 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 … Read the rest

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Q. Do Jewish civil courts operate today in the US?

A. 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 … Read the rest

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Q. Is Gambling “Kosher”?

A. 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 … Read the rest

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Q. Why doesn’t the Rabbi shake hands with women?

A. 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 … Read the rest

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