Answers to Jewish Questions
Have a question about Judaism? We have the answers!
Can I say the Mourner’s Kaddish for Non-Jewish Loved Ones?
Jewish people can say the Mourner's Kaddish for loved ones who are not Jewish. Many Jewish individuals have close family members from different backgrounds and religions and it is appropriate for Jews to observe mourning rituals for their loved ones.
What Is Elul?
Elul is the Hebrew month preceding Rosh HaShanah, during which one engages in self-reflection and evaluation in preparation for the High Holidays. Traditionally, the shofar is blown each day during the month.
My loved one has died during this time of pandemic. What mourning rituals can we do from home?
“Under our current COVID-19 related restrictions, neither my sister nor I will be able to attend the funeral our father, who died in another state. Instead, we’ll be watching it live-streamed from the funeral home’s website. What are some mourning rituals we might be able to do from our homes?”
My partner and I had to postpone our wedding due to COVID-19. How can we mark our original date?
Right now, you may be feeling grateful for the health of loved ones, frustrated or resentful of the situation you find yourself in, disappointed to have to postpone your celebration, and/or worried about the resulting consequences of doing so.
What Are Yom Kippur Yizkor Prayers?
Rabbi Dr. Richard Sarason answers, What Are Yom Kippur Yizkor Prayers?
When do you light yizkor (memorial) candles on Yom Kippur? Do you light candles only for immediate family members?
Rabbi Julie Zupan answers - When do you light yizkor (memorial) candles on Yom Kippur? Do you light candles only for immediate family members?
Is writing on the side bar of my Hebrew Bible book forbidden?
Is writing on the side bar of my Hebrew Bible book forbidden?
How can we explain circumcision to our friends?
Do you have some talking points we can use with our friends to help them understand our choice as parents?
What is a Sukkah?
A sukkah is a temporary, hut-like dwelling built during the holiday of Sukkot. (In fact, the word sukkot is the plural of sukkah.)
Is a bride at a Jewish wedding required to wear a veil?
Thought it was once common for Jewish brides to be veiled, today's brides have several options.
What’s the Hebrew word for the wedding ceremony?
Kiddushin, the Hebrew word for the Jewish wedding ritual, means “holiness.” The word has the same linguistic root as kadosh, meaning “holy.”
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