Mitzvos (Commandments)
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Perspectives on Body Piercing and Tattoos
I want to teach my students about body piercings and tattoos from a Torah perspective in a way that they will be receptive. If you have any suggestions please let me know. Answers: Jewish law does prohibit the application of…
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Refugee Slaves
Deuteronomy 23:15-16. verse 15: Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee: verse:16 He shall dwell with thee, even among you, in that place which he shall choose in one of…
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42 Lines of the Torah Scroll
Rabbi, Why is the Torah Scroll written with 42 lines per page? Answer: Hi! Thanks for your interesting question. Sometimes you find that things can be done in many different ways. Over the course of time, sometimes we settle on…
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Mediums, Speaking to the Dead
What does the Torah say, if anything on the subject of mediums, people who can (presumably) see, sense or interact with the dead. If the Torah does not address this, is it addressed anywhere? And if so, what does it…
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When You Should Play to Win
In keeping the laws of Taharas Hamishpachah, are a husband and wife allowed to play tennis or ping pong during the period of separation? Thank you for your interesting question. This exact question is discussed by Rabbi Moshe Stern, ob”m…
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Mother’s Milk and Kosher Laws
I am a lactation consultant, and a client of mine had extreme complications in childbirth last night. She may not be able to nurse her baby, at least not right away. The family is exploring alternatives to nursing. Now, the…
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No Slaughter for Fish II
Why do we have special rules for the slaughter of animals and birds, but not for fish? Answer: Thank you for your very interesting question. Clearly, the primary reason why we are obligated to slaughter animals and not fish is…
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Drinking Tea in Non-Kosher Home
If I go to someone’s house and that person does not keep kosher, can I have a cup of tea there in a china cup which is presumably glazed on the outside, (as I think all cups are nowadays)? Answer:…
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Cooked, Not Just Kosher, Wine
I have a question to which – up until now – I have not really had a clear answer. Why is it important in orthodox functions to ensure that the wine served is “yayin mevushal” (lit. “wine that is cooked”),…