Mitzvos (Commandments)
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Wearing a Tallis Katan Directly on the Body
Is it necessary to wear an undergarment under the talis katan? Why/why not? Answer: Thank you for your question. The only reason to wear an undergarment under your talis katan would be if doing so would prevent the fringes themselves…
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When the Recipient of Charity Says It’s Not Enough
If I give a poor person a few dollars (whatever it is that I have available) and they ask for more, saying that what I gave is not enough, what is the proper response? Should I give them more? Should…
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Some Meanings Behind “Orlah”
I have a question about Orlah (the prohibition against eating a tree’s fruits for the first 3 years, and restrictions on eating the fruits of year 4 — See Leviticus 19:23-26). Why did God give that law? Was there a…
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Web-Footed Birds
Are web-footed fowl considered kosher or unkosher? I was certain that I had read in Scripture that they are unclean, but now I cannot find it again. Do I remember incorrectly? Answer: The Torah does not give signs by which…
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Conflicting Customs Based on Locale
I am an Orthodox, Ashkenazi Jew. However, I find it hard to understand why, in certain cases, if an Ashkenazi is forbidden to act one way, it would be permitted for a Sefardi? For example, a Sefardi who consumes kitniyot…
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Helping the Poor Enjoy Passover
What is “ma’os chittim” and why do we make this contribution before Passover? Answer: Since God does not want you to enjoy the Passover without helping the poor enjoy it as well, the Rabbis created a custom that Jews should…
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Selling Non-Kosher Food
Can a religious Jew sell non kosher meat to other businesses if this is his means of income? Answer: This is a very complex issue, and one that cannot be dealt with effectively divorced from specific details of situation and…
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Expressing Faith
What are some things you do to practice faith? Answer: Faith in God’s Torah can be best expressed or practiced by observing the commandments given to us. Each of us, to the best of our individual abilities, can try to…
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Matanot La’evyonim – Giving to the Poor on Purim
My question is about giving to the poor on Purim. Now, I am fairly poor myself, and my family is having hard times as it is. Would it be appropriate to donate an item like food, clothing, or something else…