Mitzvot & Jewish Customs

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?

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?

The basis for the commandment to honor our parents might be seen as rational and reasonable, since it would only seem right to acknowledge all that our parents gave us.

I have been doing some introspection and realize that I have done things in my life that were wrong, and I have harmed other people. How can I face myself after having done these things? And is it possible do rectify the past?

Why do we wish blessings or health to someone who sneezes?

The House just voted to extend Daylight Saving time right through the winter. What does this mean for Torah-observant Jews?

At times, the Jews in Israel are one portion ahead of the Jews in the rest of the world. How does this happen?

Mazal tov literally means “good luck,” but Jews use it pretty much the same way that English-speakers use the word “congratulations.”

A list of the Thirteen Principles of the Jewish faith, as penned by Maimonides, along with their biblical sources.

My sons both have the same portion. Can they read it together?

According to biblical law, the Jubilee is only observed when all twelve tribes of the Jewish nation are living in Israel . . .

Although I have not seen this explanation applied to this particular question, I think it fits . . .

Generally, blessings are recited before performing a mitzvah—such as before eating matzah or before lighting the Chanukah candles. There are two exceptions. however.

There are three intentions within the word, depending on context.

There are four possible occasions during the course of a year when three scrolls are used.