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Q. Do you know of algorithm to figure our day of week for Jewish dates?

A. I don’t know of an algorithm, but Chabad.org has a date converter tool to figure these type of things out. I’m not sure how they do it. Back in our yeshiva days we had a classmate who had a … Read the rest

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Q. Why don’t Orthodox Men wear Wedding Rings?

A. Many Orthodox men DO wear wedding rings.  There is nothing wrong and many things right with men wearing a wedding band to show fidelity, love, commitment etc. Although I must add, there’s no double-ring ceremony under the Chuppah in … Read the rest

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Q. Why repeat Mourners Kaddish so often? Isn’t it hard on the mourners?

A. Not everyone realizes this, but Kaddish is not a memorial prayer. In fact, it doesn’t mentioned the departed at all. Instead, Kaddish is a bold declaration of faith, a glorification of G-d and G-dliness, and a prayer for redemption … Read the rest

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Q. Is it possible that Bar-Mitzvah boy would read the story of the Binding of Isaac? When would that have been in 1991?

A. Of course it is possible, if his Bar-Mitzvah reading falls in the portion of Vayera, where this story is told. It’s usually read in November. In 1991 it was read on October 26th. www.Chabad.org/Calendar is a much more comprehensive … Read the rest

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Q. My grandmother passed away and my wedding is scheduled within a few months of her passing. Can Mom celebrate? 

A. Mom is within her year of mourning of the passing of her mom, so there are some restrictions on her participation in celebratory events like a wedding. But no doubt, Mom should be at your wedding. Speak to your … Read the rest

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Q. Are we supposed to sit Shiva for grandparents?

A. Obviously grandchildren participate in the Shiva House, and its mood, both to honor the memory and loss of their grandparent, and in respect of their parent who is sitting Shiva, but there are no Shiva obligations for the next … Read the rest

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Q. If a Fast-Day falls during Sheva-Brachos (week following wedding) do the Chassan & Kallah get a break?

A. No, sorry about that. The only exception is the Fast of Esther (some say Tzom Gedalia, too) for which they do get a pass. Mazal Tov!… Read the rest

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Q. I can’t believe the family is supposed to shovel dirt on the deceased at the funeral!

A. Jewish tradition considers it a (reluctant) honor and obligation to participate in a burial personally, instead of letting the hired help with the backhoe do it. As much as we would rather never have to do it, burial is … Read the rest

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Q. I saw a dance at a Jewish wedding with people dancing with bottles on their heads. What’s the point?

A. There’s a big Mitzvah to be joyous at wedding and rejoice with the bride and groom. This is one interesting form of entertainment. It happens to be a Russian talent and tradition and is quite difficult to perform. A … Read the rest

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