Questions and Answers

I’m studying for my Bar Mitzvah and really need some motivation for learning to read Hebrew. I'd rather stick to English...why should I bother reading Hebrew? Besides, I don't really understand it.

At times my mind wanders off and I imagine myself committing crimes. I’ve always felt that there is nothing wrong with these thoughts because I do not actually follow through and commit the crime. What do you think?

My doctor recommended that I take up some type of meditation, mentioning “mindfulness” as one option. Are there Jewish meditation techniques I could use?

I have been duly chiding myself, ever-reminding myself that my accomplishments are only possible by G‑d’s good grace, and, if so, why should I feel any more accomplished than the guy next door?

Ever wondered why the ark in your synagogue has two coverings – a door and a curtain?

I was reading the book of Daniel, which is filled with extraordinary and apocalyptic visions. I was amazed to learn that it is not included in the section of the Bible known as the Prophets, and that the Talmud does not even consider Daniel to have been ...

It’s the night before my son’s circumcision and I cannot sleep. I know my child is not the first to be circumcised, but I am worried about the lack of anesthesia. Will he feel much pain? Will he be traumatized?

The word chumash is derived from the Hebrew word chomesh, which means a fifth.

It was nice eating at your house this past Shabbat. But I noticed that your walls are covered with bookshelves. Why do you have so many books?

I am pregnant and curious about the gender of the fetus. Is it okay for me to ask the doctor to do a sonogram to find out?