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Ask the Orthodox Rabbi: Learning, Worship and Practice in Judaism

An Israeli Orthodox Rabbi provides answers to questions about Prayers, Worship, and Rituals in Judaism.
Why are there stripes on Jewish Prayer Shaws?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains the meaning of the stripes on the Jewish Prayer Shaw, called Tallis or Tallit.
What is the spiritual significance of the Jewish Prayer Shaw?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons spiritual significance of the Jewish Prayer Shaw, called Tallis or Tallit.
What is the origin of the Tefillin design and contents?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons describes the origins of the design and contents of Jewish Phylacteries or Tefillin.
How long should a Jewish couple wait to have sex following menstruation?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains how long Jewish couples should wait to have sexual relations following the wife's menstruation.
Why do Jews wear yarmulkes, or kippas, on their heads?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews wear yarmulkes, or kippahs, on their heads.
Why do Jews bring salt, bread and wine to a new home?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why it is customary for Jews to bring salt, bread and wine to new homes.
Is it a sin to read Torah or recite Mourners Kaddish without a minyan?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why a minyan of ten is needed to read Torah and recite Mourners Kaddish in Judaism.
Why do Jews hang a Mezuzah on their doorpost?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews hang a mezuzah on their doorpost.
Why do Jews say "L'Chaim" when they drink wine?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains why Jews say L'Chaim when they drink wine.
What is the Jubilee Year in Judaism?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains the meaning of the Jubilee Year in Judaism.
How can I deal with my dwindling interest in Judaism?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons helps a Jew with dwindling interest in Judaism regain his enthusiasm for practicing Judaism and living a Jewish life.
What is the purpose of fasting in Judaism?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains the purpose of fasting in Judaism.
What is the role of the rabbi in Judaism?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains the role of the rabbi in Judaism.
Why do male Chasidic Jews have the long side curls in their hair?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons is asked why Orthodox Jews wear side curls in their hair.
What is the origin, meaning and significance of the star of David?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons is asked about the origin, meaning and significance of the Jewish star of David or Magen David.
What is the origin, process and reason behind placing notes in the Western Wall?
Rabbi Shraga Simmons is asked the Jewish ritual of placing prayer notes in Jerusalem's Western Wall for God.
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