Passover
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Afikomen
Could you tell me the history of the “Afikomen”, when it was established and why? When the Holy Temple in Jerusalem stood, the Passover offering was the last item eaten at the Seder. The Afikomen, which means dessert, has been…
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Garlic on Passover
Is it permitted to eat garlic on Passover? If not, why not? There are different customs regarding the use of garlic on Passover. Believe it or not, the basis for the stringency that some have of not eating garlic is…
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Hallel
What is Hallel? Why do we say Hallel? When do we say Hallel? Hallel is a group of Psalms, written by King David about 2500 years ago. The primary theme is that G-d controls the ups and downs of life.…
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Plague of Darkness and Egyptian Possessions
During Egyptian plague of darkness did the Jews ransack Egyptian homes for gold/jewelry because G-d had said they would not leave Egypt poor, but rich? Isn’t this stealing? During the plague of darkness the Jews did not ransack the Egyptian…
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Pharaoh’s Jewish Slave Dilemma
 King Pharaoh needed his slaves. Why would he order to kill all baby boys? That will mean that within a generation or two he will have no slaves population left. I am familiar with the reason given that he feared…
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The “Red” Sea
Did the Israelites cross the Red Sea or the Reed Sea in their exodus from Egypt? The Reed Sea – “Yam Suf” in Hebrew. Rabbi Seinfeld http://rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com
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Wearing a Kittel
My son recently gave me a kittel. What days should I wear this? Should I wear it to Shul on the evening of Yom Kippur and to services the next day? Also, are there any other times that I should…
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Last Year’s Matzah
Is Matza from last year kosher for next year? It is perfectly kosher for next year. It is a good way to save money as many of the stores try to get rid of their Matza right after Passover. If…
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Wet Matzah
Why do some people not eat wet matzah? The answer is that they are afraid the flour in the matzah did not mix before baking with water and will now become chametz (leaven) when mixed with water.