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Q. Is food an important part of the Jewish prayer service?

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 mor...

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Q. Why commemorate the ‘Omer’ when so many worse tragedies followed?

A. During the period between Passover and Shavuot (or until Lag B’Omer) traditional Jews refrain from live music and weddings etc in commemoration of the 24,000 students of Rabbi Akiva who died during ...

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Q. Hey, we now begin the Sabbath while still light out on Fridays?

A. Good point. Now we begin services at 7pm, and the Sabbath begins at sundown which is later this time of year. While we can not end the Sabbath earlier, or start it later – we are allowed to add &hel...

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Q. Why is it so important to say the “Aleinu” prayer communally? 

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....

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Q. Why 66 days of impurity after the birth of a girl, but 33 days after the birth of a boy? 

A. The greater the gain, the greater the risk. With all great spiritual opportunity and blessing comes the possibility of susceptibility to spiritual danger and impurity. Birth is the greatest such opportuni...