Mitzvos (Commandments)
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Wrapping Tefillin Straps Around the Finger
Why do we wrap the tefillin strap around the middle finger 3 times? First of all, it is important to note that there are several accepted traditions as to how exactly the tefillin straps should be wrapped around your hand.…
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Fringes on a Tallit
In Deuteronomy 22:12 the Torah states, “You shall make for yourselves ‘gedilim’ [fringes] on the 4 corners of the garment with which you cover yourself.” Are these gedilim the same as the tzitzit [fringes] found in Numbers 15:38-39? My tallit,…
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Silence After Washing Hands for Bread
Can you explain the origin of the custom not to speak between washing your hands and saying the blessing over the bread on the Sabbath? Basically, our Sages ruled that people should not do anything at all distracting after washing…
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Motors and “Indirect Cause” on the Sabbath
I was told that a Jew cannot be a passenger in a car on the Sabbath because s/he adds weight and causes the car to burn more fuel [an infraction of the laws of the Sabbath]. However, most observant people…
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Reasons for Fasting
Is fasting done as an “obedience thing” or are you purifying yourself before seeking God? Is it something totally different? One interesting purpose for fasting is to act as if we are offering ourselves as a sacrifice in atonement for…
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Jewish Themed Tattoos
What is the rule with tattoos in Judaism? I was reading some articles about how “Jewish Themed” tattoos are becoming a way of showing devotion to G-d. Does that really work? Although Judaism has a great appreciation for art —…
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Shemitah 5768
Hi! I live in Israel, and have been asked to do the centerpieces for a wedding. I would like to use ivy that is growing in my garden, and would need to pick it right before the event. Is this…