A. This is included in the Kashrus laws of the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law – the tallest set on my bookshelf), yet it is not a Kosher Law. The Rabbis deemed it a safety issue, that it was &helli
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 hom
A. Actually, it is an old argument between Rashi and Rabbeynu Tam (both French Rabbis at start of the Millennium) if they should be paced vertically or horizontally at the doorpost. The consensus is (and the
A. All salt is kosher. Coarse salt is used in the koshering process for meat and poultry, to drain it of excess blood, which the Torah forbids. This is an important part of the Kosherization process. Years a
A. Maybe it is like modern, state-sponsored newspapers in Arab states who wrote that the Mossad (Israeli CIA) arranged the attacks on 9/11. Polls conducted in those countries show that many subscribe to thos
A. On back, inside The Great Seal, the 13 stars are arranged in the shape of the Star of David. I once heard that this may have been a tribute to Haym Solomon who helped finance the Revolutionary War. I &hel
A. Phonetically Sarah (Abraham’s wife, meaning Princess) or Shifra (another name for Moses’ mother, known for soothing and nurturing the Jewish newborns in Egypt). In terms of meaning – Sop
A. Tanya (end of chapter 34) quotes the Zohar “Joy is lodged in one side of my heart, and tears in the other”. We are capable of two (even) opposite emotions, as long as they are for different re
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 s
A. Many things: (1) We must give our own lives rather than take the lives of another. (2) Though we do believe in the spiritual Afterlife, and the World to Come, the ultimate Jewish opportunities and Torah&#