A. Not really. It should have an opening within that’s large to properly fit the Mezuzah scroll they will be using. Also many Mezuzahs have the Hebrew Letter Shin on the outside, but this not an absolute requirement. And it … Read the rest
...A. Agricultural tithing only applies in the Land of Israel (which is why in Israel they have kosher tithing certification on fruit stores). While voluntary charitable giving is a very popular Jewish phenomenon and exists across the Jewish spectrum, the … Read the rest
...A. Well, at first they can be restored by an expert scribe. Letters fade and crack, but they can be repaired. Sometimes whole sections of parchment can be replaced. But you are right, there comes a time when they can … Read the rest
...A. This is simply a matter of sensitivity. There are no Jewish laws prohibiting his music, but for those who suffered through the Holocaust and saw their loves ones go to their death while Wagner’s music was played by their … Read the rest
...A. Literally, Tzitzit refers to the fringes themselves, while Tallis is the cloak-cloth part we wear. But in today’s common religious lingo, Tallis refers to the larger outer garment (prayer-shawl), worn over one’s clothing during prayer. Tzitzit refers to a … Read the rest
...A. See Kings I Chapter 15. Kings Asa and Aviyam had the same mother, Maacha daughter of Av(i)shalom.… Read the rest
...A. Sure. I do that every time I pray, since I wear Tzitzit all the time, but a Tallit only during prayer. It’s recommended!… Read the rest
...A. Lights are popular this time of year, many of these traditions can be traced back to the Jewish holiday of Chanukah. Local custom might not connect it with religion, but simple online research makes it obvious that these luminaries … Read the rest
...A. The Mitzvah of Menorah is to publicize the miracle and spread the light. A main lobby with lots of passersby seems like a great place to do it. Think of how it will fill the hearts of Jews with … Read the rest
...A. We begin by inserting the candles starting on the far-right side of the Menorah, adding a new one towards the left each night. But we always light the newest candle first (on the left) and light it going towards … Read the rest
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