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Q. I’m used to wearing a Kippa only during prayer, why do some wear it all the time?

A. To tell the truth, Yarmulka (from the Talmudic phrase: “fear of the king”) or Kippa (which means (domed) covering) is not a Mitzvah of Torah or Rabbinic origin (outside of prayer) though the T...

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Q. Why pray using a text someone else wrote? Shouldn’t it come from the heart?

A. First of all there are special slots throughout the prayer, even during the Amida, where we can (some say should) add our own prayer, in our own words.

Why does prayer need formalities? For structu...

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Q. Am I supposed to say a blessing after crossing the Atlantic?

A. The “Gomel” blessing is recited for being saved from 4 general types of danger. 1) overseas travel  2) captivity/prison  3) seriously ill health/operation  4) travel through uncivilized pla...

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Q. Can Jews own Nabisco (cookie maker) stocks over Passover?

A.   Interesting question. Though shareholders own a “little piece” of the company, unless they’re on the board of directors they don’t have much say. Which leads many Rabbis to say ...

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Q. What are those little strings hanging out of your shirt? 

A. Glad you asked. Some folks think my underwear is unraveling and are worried their curiosity might embarrass me. Nothing of the sort. While many Jews wear a “Tallit” prayer shawl at the Synagog...