The Calendar and Holidays (incl. Sabbath)
- Chanukah
- Other Holidays and Fasts
- Passover
- Purim
- Rosh HaShanah
- Shavuos
- Sukkos
- The Jewish Calendar
- The Sabbath
- Yom Kippur
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Simchas Torah vs. Shavuot
Why isn’t Simchas Torah celebrated right after Shavuot? Answer: I guess the reason Shavuos and Simchas Torah are far apart in time is that they are so different from one another. Shavuos is the culmination of Pesach. Rav Shamshon Rafael…
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Talis for Women, Kitniyos, Diversity and Contradictions
I have become confused by what I see as contradictions in Jewish law. I’ve read some comments in the Talmud about women wearing a tallit (I do, personally as does my mother, though sometimes I wonder if I should). Some…
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The Shabbos Queen
Can you please elaborate and explain the concept of referring to Shabbat as “Shabbat the Queen”? Answer: There are several things hinted to in this that we refer to Shabbos as a Queen. One idea, which may be the basic…
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Hallel on Purim
I noticed that Hallel was not recited on Purim (or was I sleeping when it was recited?) Any particular reason for this? Thanks. Answer: Even if you were sleeping, you would not have missed Hallel. You can pat yourself on the back because you…
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When the 4 cups on Passover make you very ill
I have stomach problems which prevent me of drinking any grape products, either wine or juice even if diluted. This is especially true when it comes to such quantities as required on Pesach – 4 glasses and on 2 following…
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Historical Pharoah of the Exodus
Who was the historical Pharoah at the time of the Exodus? Was it possibly Tutankhamen? Answer: There are 2 schools of though regarding the Egyptian Pharaoh at the time. Some, based on the reference to the cities of Pithom and…
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Why wasn’t a Megillah written for Chanukah?
Why did the Sages not write a Megillah to commemorate the miracle of Chanukah, as was the case with the miracle of Purim? Answer: A possible answer to your question is that the books of Tanach (Hebrew Bible) were written…
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Torah Source for Chanukah
When did the celebration of Chanukkah begin? Is it in the Torah? If so, what portion of the Torah is the story located? Answer: The celebration of Chanukah occurred too late chronologically to be included in the canon of the…
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Commercializing Chanukah
Is Hanukkah considered a significant and important Jewish holiday or is it recently commercialized to compete with Christmas? Answer: Your question highlights a very important point. To be short, Hannukah is an extremely important Jewish holiday. The messages inherent in…