LifeCycle Events
-
Dowry
How common is the dowry today amongst Jews? Is it true that a religious man will sell part of his business to finance real estate in order to marry off a daushter? Is it also true that in the case…
-
Garment Torn in Mourning
The ribbon that is torn and pinned on apparel on the left for children and the right for spouse. What is the significance? Thank you for your question. According to Jewish tradition, a person is supposed to tear their outer…
-
Unveiling the Gravestone
Do you have any information you could e-mail me about a “do-it-yourself” unveiling? I am an unaffiliated Jew and am planning for the unveiling of my father’s. I did attend an unveiling a couple of years ago that was conducted…
-
“Yahrzeit” – Judgement for the Deceased
Why do we say that on a Yahrzeit (annual date marking the passing of someone) that a person’s Neshama (soul) should have an aliya (be “raised” to a higher level)? Hasn’t he been judged on the day he died? If…
-
Pre-destined Lifespan, Children Who Die
Is it true that the the years we are alive are pre destined? is it also true that when a child is murdered his spirit goes straight to the highest of realms to sit by the foot of the throne…
-
What’s Wrong With Intermarriage?
If I knew that I would have a wonderful married life with a nonJew and that my children would grow up following Jewish law completely as a result, what argument would Judaism have against it? I’m afraid that I will…
-
Terminal Illness and the Afterlife
A friend of mine is very ill with cancer and she does not have a lot of faith. I want to explain to her the Jewish view on heaven. Thank you very much! Answer: Exactly how you should present this…