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
...A. That only happens when Passover begins on Saturday Night. We can’t burn Chametz as usual on the day before Passover, since that would be prohibited on the Sabbath. So we do it on Friday, but we are allowed to … Read the rest
...A. We in the diaspora pray toward East to the direction of Jerusalem. (The Jews of Babylonia and Syria prayed to the west, towards Jerusalem). The Western Wall is named such because it is the wall surrounded the western side … Read the rest
...A. There’s only one Book of Esther and Purim story, but there are five books in Jewish scripture which bear the name Megillah. But you are right, when people say Megillah they are almost always referring to the Book of … Read the rest
...A. A lot more than it does today. Not all scholars were automatically Rabbis back then. The title “Rabbi” referred to the “Smicha” ordination of the earlier generation (represented by one of its outstanding leaders) conferring special authority, transmitted down … Read the rest
...A. There’s nothing unclean or unacceptable about motion sensors. But they do present a one day a week problem to a Sabbath observant Jew. Those who are strictly observant do not manipulate or change electrical devices on the Sabbath. We … Read the rest
...A. “Savta” is Hebrew for grandmother. Mazal Tov!… Read the rest
...A. This refers to a clear decisive authoritative ruling on a Halachic issue by a respected expert Rabbinic figure. It also has a Yiddish slang meaning a firm and decisive punishment.… Read the rest
...A. We don’t do it very often, but the few Jewish fasts a year are a form of personal suffering to better appreciate and relate to what these fast-days represent. And getting away from food for a while helps us … Read the rest
...A. “Shochet uBodek” – Ritual Slaughterer and Inspector/Investigator. This is the title for advanced Shochet certification.… Read the rest
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