Dedicating a New Torah Scroll
By Baruch S. Davidson
The dedication of a new Torah scroll is traditionally celebrated with great festivity. This article is a basic guide to the traditional induction ceremony.
Jewish Practice » Miscellaneous » Dedicating a New Torah Scroll
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What is Appropriate Behavior at a Jewish Cemetery?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: Hi, I am writing an article on cemetery gatherings, sort of like a how-to piece. I was just reading an article on the site, by Maurice Lamm, that states it is inappropriate to bring a Torah into the cemetery as well as to eat/drink there. Why ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » What is Appropriate Behavior at a Jewish Cemetery?
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Second Bar Mitzvah?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: At what age does a Jewish man have his second bar mitzvah? Is it any different than the first time around? Answer: Though some people symbolically celebrate a second bar mitzvah at a later point in life, the bar mitzvah essentially marks the ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » Second Bar Mitzvah?
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Why Simcha Bunim?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: My grandfather's name was Simcha Bunim. I know Simcha means happiness, but what does Bunim mean, and why are these names a pair? Response: Some explain that Bunim is a Yiddishized version of Bonhomme, the French name meaning "good man" (similar ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » Why Simcha Bunim?
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Why didn't Adam eat from the Tree of Life?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: In the narrative at the beginning of Genesis, we read that G‑d planted the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge in the middle of the Garden of Eden (2:9). G‑d instructs Adam not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge (2:17). After Adam and Eve ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » Why didn't Adam eat from the Tree of Life?
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Obama's Mom Jeans
By Baruch S. Davidson
Obama's response to his critics was quick in coming. "Those jeans are comfortable," explained the Commander-in-Chief, and he was not about to sacrifice his comfort just to be a bit more in vogue.
Blogs » Views on the News » Obama's Mom Jeans
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Why am I so sad?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: This may sound like a strange question but as I incorporate more and more Jewish observance and ideas into my life, I find myself falling into occasional depression. Nothing serious, but I do occasionally feel useless and hopeless. Is this a ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » Advice » Why am I so sad?
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What day is it really?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: During the summer months, my community begins the Shabbat eve services on Friday afternoon, well before sunset, commencing an "early Shabbat." At that point, is it Friday or Shabbat? If it is Friday how can we make the Shabbat Kiddush before ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » What day is it really?
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Did Solomon Marry Out?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: Solomon married a whole slew of pagan women. How was this allowed? Response: A cursory reading of those actions of King Solomon's does seem pretty incriminating. The verse states clearly that these women were of the gentile nations, from which ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » Did Solomon Marry Out?
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Nail Clippings and Pregnant Women
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question: I have been told that one must never let his nail clipping lying around as they pose danger to fetuses. How does that work? Response: The Talmud Moed Katan 18a; Niddah 17a. tells us that "the righteous burn their nails, the pious bury them, and ...
Ask the Rabbi » Latest Questions » The Details » Nail Clippings and Pregnant Women
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