Prayer and Religious Articles
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Aliyot and Haftorah
Each Shabbat every synagogue gives aliyot for Torah readings starting with Cohain etc. What is the reason behind the aliyot and why are they done in the particular order. e.g. Cohain, Levi etc ending with Maftir. The seven Aliyot represent…
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How to bless a musician
Which Brachah (formal blessing) can be recited for hearing a talented person play music for the first time? There is no specific bracha. Wish the person much success in using his/her talent to do mitzvos (G-d’s commandments). All the best,…
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Obligation of Shema
Who is obligated/required to say the shema (The prayer of “Hear O’ Israel”)? A man is obligated once at night and once during the day. A woman should try to say Shema in the morning if she has the time…
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Crying on Shabbat
Good morning, I have a halachic (legal) question regarding shabbat (the Sabbath). I know shabat is suppose to be a happy day and we are suppose to enjoy it as much as possible, however are we allowed to cry to…
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A Blessing for Charity?
Dear Rabbi, Is there a brocha (a blessing to recite) for giving charity? At the moment I say “shekideshanu… vetzivanu letet tzdaka.” We do not make any beracha (blessing) on giving charity. All agree to this but there is discussion…
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People in Tanach
who are two biblical personalities who were involved actively in fulfilling the same interpersonal (ben adam lechavero) mitzvah? Avraham & Yitzchak both had similar situations where they had to Pray for their wives since they were Akaros, barren. Another instance…
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Prayer
Please pardon my ignorance: When Christians pray to G_d they pray for things but if I understand correctly Jewish people pray to G-d they are expressing thanks(?) I would not ask you to explain how another religion does things. Perhaps…