Mitzvot & Jewish Customs

If the Torah commands the Jewish people to wage an eternal war against the nation of Amalek, why aren’t you seeking out Amalekites to kill?

It functions as a conduit, channeling spiritual energy from G-d into your soul and your body. That's why a critically ill person is sometimes given an additional Hebrew name -- sort of like a spiritual bypass operation

I go jogging every Friday afternoon and often pass your synagogue. I see you are getting some nice crowds. To be honest I don't see why people go to services every single Shabbat.

I know that we put these black boxes on our head and our arm next to our heart, but other than that, I have no idea what they are about. Do you have an explanation for what Tefillin are?

Choosing a name is a big deal. A person's name is not a mere label, it expresses the essence of its bearer...

Is there a Jewish way for me to celebrate my birthday?

When did Jews start celebrating Bar-Mitzvahs?

That last bear hug is different than its predecessors. Whereas till now the cuddles and hugs assisted in cementing the relationship, the final embrace takes it one step further...

The human body is G‑d’s creation, and it is therefore unbefitting to mutilate G‑d’s handiwork . . .

When our behavior is a consequence of intellectual understanding or a strong emotional feeling, it is not completely selfless. It is "I" that understands and "me" that feels.

I can see the experiential quality of it all: an ancient temple with heavenly music and mystical song; priests in flowing robes deep in meditation; mesmerizing, choreographed ritual. But why the barbecue?

The problem with the word “temple” is that Indiana Jones got to it.

My brother told me when his daughter was born that a godparent was not needed. Is that true?

Why do we not try to make the synagogue candelabrums more like the one in the Temple? After all, isn’t the synagogue supposed to be a miniature Temple?

Does 613, the number of commandments G‑d gave the Jews, have any symbolic meaning?

I do not observe many of the Jewish traditions including the kosher dietary laws and the complete observance of the Sabbath. Can I still cover my head with a kippah (skullcap)?

Today I encountered a most bizarre situation. I passed by a synagogue and someone asked me to join the prayer service. Right before the prayer service began, a person standing next to me pointed his finger at each person in the room and muttered some words under his breath. Was this some kind of blessing, curse, or something else?

During the recent Jewish holidays, I noticed that when the priestly blessing, the birkat kohanim, is being sung, the congregation says a prayer to “transform” their bad dreams into good dreams. Why pray for them specifically during the holidays?

My friend is having issues with his digestive system. I have always nudged him to grow in his spiritual life. Now he is asking me if this could be connected to his not fulfilling G‑d’s commandments to their fullest. What can I tell him?