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 Q. Can I wear a leather belt or kippah on Yom-Kippur?

A. Yes. The restriction is only against leather shoes. This dates back before Payless and Famous Footwear. A good pair of shoes lasted a long time. And people walked around a whole lot more, and stood on the...

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Q. The prophet Ezekiel is addressed as “Son of Man”. Why this unusual title?

A. Here’s a reason from Rashi, the great Biblical commentator. Being that Ezekiel was privy to the most spiritual and esoteric of visions, this title was a subtle reminder that helped him keep perspect...

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Q. What are some Torah laws regarding a Fence?

A. (1) Most famous is the “Maakeh” roof-top fence in Deut 22:8. This law represents all laws regarding safety and accident prevention. (2) Ethics of our Fathers encourages us to “make a fen...

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Q. I’m an osteopath. I heard there is an indestructible bone in the body according to Jewish tradition?

A. It is called the “Luz” bone. According to the Medrash (Kohelet Rabba 12:5) this bone will be used for the resurrection of the dead. One source has the Luz at the base of the spine, and the oth...

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Q. I noticed a few stretched-out letters in the Torah scroll. What’s the significance?

A. Torah columns are justified on right and left, and it’s all done by hand – no computer. The Sofer (Torah Scribe) has a certain amount of leeway to stretch (or squeeze) some letters to make it ...