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Q. I noticed near the date you wrote B.H. Is that like B.C. or A.D.?

A. No, not at all. BH stands for Baruch Hashem – “praised be G-d” or “by the grace of G-d”. It is customary to begin all documents that way. It is a little way to increase G-d’s presence in our … Read the rest

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Q. What do I need – to do or bring – to enter a Sukkah?

A. Warm clothing (unless you’re in Florida or we have Indian Summer) and a festive Holiday Spirit. The nice thing about a Sukkah is that it isn’t as formal as a fancy synagogue, and you’re welcome in – just the … Read the rest

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Q. My housemate keeps Kosher, what shouldn’t I do in the kitchen?

A. You can’t really cook Kosher and non-Kosher in the same kitchen (there are some arrangements that may be possible, but would significantly limit one of your cooking). Unless you keep to Kosher rules – the Kitchen equipment won’t be … Read the rest

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Q. Are all horns OK to use as a Shofar, is there anything that would disqualify a horn from use?

A. Shofars must be from a Kosher animal. Rams are preferred because they recall the Binding of Issac. Cows’ horns are not considered appropriate because they recall the Golden Calf. Bent (not straight) horns are used, since they symbolize our … Read the rest

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Q. According to the strict observance of Shabbos, can I floss my teeth?

A. For a very strict Shabbos observer there are some problems. But if you floss religiously all the other 6 days of the week you should be OK flossing-wise. Generally speaking, this isn’t the most central observance of Shabbos, so … Read the rest

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Q. Where does the name “Jew” come from?

A. Judah. That’s just one tribe you ask? First of all Judah was the dominant tribe of the Southern Kingdom which is where most Jews today descend from. We are also named Jew, based on a phrase from the Purim … Read the rest

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Q. Why is the Jewish New Year on a different date each year?

A. We’re on a different calendar. The Secular calendar follows the Solar Cycle of 365 days each year, while the Jewish calendar follows the Lunar Cycle of 354 days (yet we are different than the Muslim’s strictly lunar reckoning, for … Read the rest

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Q. Is the number 42 special in Judaism?

A. Actually it is. The Jews rested / camped in 42 places on their way from the Exodus to the Land of Israel. Also, one of our prayers, “Ana B’Koach” said on Friday Night, has mystical background, and is comprised … Read the rest

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Q. Who said “I’m in the West, but my Heart is in the East”; & is it about different cultures?

A. Judah HaLevi, famous Jewish Poet, circa 13th century. He lived in Spain, but his heart was in Jerusalem.… Read the rest

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Q. Why are there so many Chabad Mikvahs?

A. (1) “Where there’s Coca-Cola, you’ll find Chabad Lubavitch”. The Rebbe encouraged and inspired his chassidim to take up posts, wherever Jews may be, even in difficult or faraway places. In many far-flung places or small Jewish communities, Chabad may … Read the rest

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