Beyond the revelry, is there a more serious side to observing Purim?
As joyous as the holiday is, it is also a time for serious reflection on the duties of a Jew toward their community, particularly in a post-Holocaust world.
Is it Jewishly permissible for us to bury our beloved pet with my late mother? The dog meant a lot to her.
There are Jewish practices that can support those who experience the loss of pet.
I'm preparing to make aliyah (move to Israel) and was surprised to read that I need to present a "Jewish certificate." I’ve been Jewish my entire life, but I’ve never heard of a certificate that proves it! How do I obtain that?
Your first step should be to approach the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh, which works with the Israeli government and The Jewish Agency for Israel to “remove or minimize the financial, professional, logistical and social obstacles of aliyah and the move to Israel.” They will walk you through the process.
Why do Jewish Holidays Begin at Night?
On the Jewish calendar, holidays begin in the evening, at sundown, and they continue through the next day.
I plan to attend Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services this year for the first time. Will I be expected to donate money during the service, like in a church service? If so, what’s the "right” amount?
I’m a regular listener of your podcast On the Other Hand. Can you explain the meaning of the Hebrew sign-off/farewell phrase at the end of each episode?
The Hebrew phrase at the end of the podcast is “L’hitraot." Here's what it means.
What, exactly, is a Haggadah?
The Hebrew word Haggadah means “telling,” and it refers to the service or script for the Passover seder table ritual. The Haggadah provides the order and script of the service with step-by-step instructions.
Senate Failure to Vote on Goodwin Liu Deeply Disappointing
Rabbi Saperstein: "Jewish tradition teaches of the importance of a fair and just judiciary, and there is nothing fair nor just about the obstruction that plagued Professor Liu's nomination."
START Treaty Ratification Strengthens Senate's Commitment to Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Rabbi Saperstein: "Today, we welcome the Senate's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and reaffirm our own pledge of working towards a nuclear free world."
Concerns Remain on Impact of Tax Cut Compromise on Working Families
Rabbi Saperstein: "This compromise cannot distract from the need to address urgent structural challenges.