Malkie Janowski

Hi, Is there any significance to the number of plagues? Why the need for all 10? Answer: The number is indeed significant. On one occasion, Moses approached Pharaoh and said: So said the L‑rd G‑d of Israel, “Send out My people, and let them sacrifice to ...

Hi, I am a non-Jewish caretaker for an elderly Jewish woman. I know there are lots of rules that apply in the kitchen. What do I need to know? Answer: The first and most important thing you need to know about kosher kitchens is: when in doubt, ask! ...

I’ve been feeling hypocritical lately for doing things that are Jewish once in a while, when there are so many “all-the-time” traditions that I don’t keep. I feel like I would be “taking advantage” of the once-a-year traditions . . . Therefore, I just ...

I know we always mark the 9th day of the Jewish month of Av as the day the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. But I read in Jeremiah 52:12 that the Temple was burnt on the 10th of Av.

As hard as I try, I am having trouble concentrating on the words in the prayerbook. What should I do?

It seems that there is a contradiction concerning when the Egyptian animals died during the plagues.

I have an office staff member who celebrates Hannukah. Everyone in the office is giving gifts but her. Why doesn’t she celebrate Christmas?

Question: I've always had a hard time reading the stories in Bible because the whole thing sounds like a soap opera. It seems like everyone is always going through different troubles. I don't understand why there are constant ups and downs and such ...

Question: I’m wondering about the punishment called karet—spiritual excision from G‑d. If G‑d is everywhere, how can someone be completely cut off from Him? Can you repent after getting karet? Where can I learn more about this? Answer: A soul functions ...

Question: When I started all this, I felt so excited about being Jewish and following all the laws, but now it is such a struggle and kind of feels like this heavy burden. Like a bunch of can't do this and that, and have to do this and this. But I also ...