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.
Star of David - Meaning
What is the meaning of the Star of David?
What is the meaning of the Star of David?
Side Curls (Peyot)
Why do male Chasidic Jews have the long curls in their hair?
Why do male Chasidic Jews have the long curls in their hair?
Role of Rabbi
Rabbi Shraga Simmons describes the role of the rabbi in Judaism.
Rabbi Shraga Simmons describes the role of the rabbi in Judaism.
Fasting
How and why did fasting become an acceptable demonstration of piety in Judaism?
How and why did fasting become an acceptable demonstration of piety in Judaism?
Interest in Judaism Dwindling
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains how to deal with a dwindling interest in practicing Judaism.
Rabbi Shraga Simmons explains how to deal with a dwindling interest in practicing Judaism.
Jubilee Year
What is the Jubilee year?
What is the Jubilee year?
L'Chaim
Why do we say "LeChaim" when we drink wine?
Why do we say "LeChaim" when we drink wine?
Mezuzah - Why Hang?
Why do Jews put a Mezuzah on their doorpost?
Why do Jews put a Mezuzah on their doorpost?
Minyan to Read Torah
Can our remote synagogue read Torah without a minyan of ten men?
Can our remote synagogue read Torah without a minyan of ten men?
New Home Customs
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the custom of bringing salt and bread to a new home.
Rabbi Shraga Simmons answers a question about the custom of bringing salt and bread to a new home.
Niddah - Ashkenazi versus Sephardi
Is there is a difference between the Sephardic custom and Ashkenazic custom in regard to the waiting period until a married couple can have sex after the beginning of a niddah (monthly period)?
Is there is a difference between the Sephardic custom and Ashkenazic custom in regard to the waiting period until a married couple can have sex after the beginning of a niddah (monthly period)?
Tallis Prayer Shaw - Significance
What is the spiritual significance of the prayer shaw (tallis, tallit)?
What is the spiritual significance of the prayer shaw (tallis, tallit)?
Tallis Prayer Shaw - Stripes
What is the significance of the stripes on the prayer shaw (tallit, tallis)?
What is the significance of the stripes on the prayer shaw (tallit, tallis)?
Tefillin - Origin
What is the origin of the tefillin?
What is the origin of the tefillin?
Yarmulke Head Covering (kippa)
Why do Jewish men cover their heads with a yarmulke (kippa)?
Why do Jewish men cover their heads with a yarmulke (kippa)?