Prayer and Religious Articles
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“Avinu Malkeinu” – “Our Father, Our King”
I’ve decided to speak on the topic of the “Avinu Malkeinu” (“Our Father, Our King) prayer. Can you tell me some things about it? Answer: I’ll try to give you a few of the highlights of the Avinu Malkeinu prayer.…
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Portions Named after Korach and Balak
Why is a Parsha (Weekly Torah Portion) named after Korach and Balak? Wouldn’t Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob be more appropriate? Answer: Unfortunately I do not know the particulars about the naming of the different portions. It seems that the name…
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The Obligation to Pray in Scriptures
Where in the tanakh does G-d tell us that we should pray? Where is the institution of prayer? I would like any and all references to prayer in the scriptures as possible. Answer: I’m afraid I can’t go through the whole…
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Jews in Black Hats
What age do Orthodox Jewish men start wearing black hats? Is there a hard rule or is it down to custom? Answer: The hat is completely a custom and different groups wear different types of hats to reflect where they…
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Washing the Hands
Where does the Torah speak about washing the hands? Answer: Washing the hands and feet is referred to many times in the Bible. There was a washing basin in the Tabernacle where the priests washed their hands and feet before…
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Blessing for Pets
I just got two new dogs and I want them to be blessed and in G-d’s will. What prayers should I say over them? Answer: You are in luck. Your dogs come pre-blessed. The commentary of Mechilta in Medrash (Mishpatim…
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Why Pray? Why Repent? Why not?
What motivation is there to really repent and be worried on the high holy days, I mean I’ve survived for years without praying a word so why start now? I’m not looking for a drawn out idea of how beautiful…
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Grace After Meals – Birchat Hamazon
What is the commandment for saying a blessing after a meal? What is the reason for reciting this blessing? Is it absolutely necessary to say the blessings in the form in which they are written after a meal? If I…
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The Blessings from the Kohanim
We learn in the Torah portion of Naso about the 3 blessings that the Kohanim (the Jewish priestly class) gave to the Jewish people. Why is there no blessing for health and physical well being? It seems that the 1st blessing…