LifeCycle Events
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A Married Woman Covering Her Hair… in Private?!
I know that married, Jewish women must cover their hair when in front of other men. Yet, why do some women cover their hair in front of their husbands or when they are alone at home? Answer: You are correct…
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How Soon Can a Widower Remarry?
Is there a commandment that a widower wait a specific length of time before dating and/or remarrying after the death of a spouse? Is it traditional or a commandment that we wait a year? Answer: There is a Rabbinic requirement…
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Who is the First Born?
Often, there are situations that are applicable only to the first born male of the family (various fasts, etc). Am I correct in understanding that these rules are applicable to the first born in the family, if the first born…
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Burial Beside Which Husband?
If a woman becomes a widow, remarries, and then dies many years later, is she buried next to the first husband, or second husband (i.e. the current husband)? Does it matter if the second husband is still alive? Answer: Thank…
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Animals, Spirit, and Reincarnation
I recently had to put my service dog to sleep. What is Judaism’s position on the souls of our animals and how we dispose of their bodies after death? Answer: The Kabbalah recognizes two separate issues which shed light on…
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Names, Soul-Mates, and the Nature of Marriage
Can I know if my wife is my soul-mate? Her first name is Denise and her mother’s first name is Rebbecca. My first name is Steve and my mother’s first name is Freida. Answer: First, a serious relationship like marriage…
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Organ Transplantation
Is organ transplantation permissible for the prolongation of human life? Answer: Organ transplantation is an important, yet complicated, part of Torah law. There are many details and nuances, and each specific case must be dealt with accordingly. In concept, though,…
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Divorced Parents Escorting Child Down the Aisle
I am getting married soon, and I just heard that your parents should not walk you down the aisle if they are divorced. My parents are divorced, and I really want them both to walk me down! What’s wrong with…
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Intermarriage, Conversion, and Circumsicion
My partner and I have been seeing each other for two and a half years now, and have recently been talking about marriage. I am Jewish (as are both of my parents), but he has no particular faith (although he…