What are the main differences between a Jew and a Christian?
How should a mezuzah be put on the doorpost, and what are the prayers?
We painted the interior of our house and want to put back our mezuzah. Exactly how should it be put on the doorpost, & what prayers do we say?
I am rediscovering Judaism. How do I decide which traditions and laws I should follow?
You are not alone. Many Jews are returning to their religion, and are also struggling with the elements of Judaism. Please note that the name for us, ISRAEL, means those who struggle, who wrestle with God. So not only are you in good company, you are being true to your heritage by wrestling, by struggling with an answer and a response to God's call. One could argue, by the way, that those who do not struggle with all of this may be too comfortable.
What is the "platform" of Reform Judaism, and specifically what is it about Reform that makes some other Jews so angry?
There have, in fact, been three occasions on which major "platforms" have been published in the name of Reform Judaism: the Pittsburgh Platform, in 1885; the Columbus Platform, in 1937; and most recently, a statement (more descriptive than prescriptive) called Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective, promulgated in 1976.
How can the average Reform Jew be expected to have enough knowledge to interpret Jewish law without guidance from learned rabbis?
If Reform Judaism is about making informed choices, how can the average Reform Jew be expected to have enough knowledge to interpret Jewish law without guidance from learned rabbis?
Is there such a thing as Reform Judaism outside North America? What are European Jews? Reform? Orthodox?
Yes, there certainly is Reform Judaism outside North America. Reform Judaism is actually a product of the European Enlightenment of the late 18th and the 19th century.
What is the Reform position on clergy officiating at the wedding of a Jew to a person brought up in a different faith?
I’m Jewish and my partner is not. We’d like to have a Jewish wedding and plan to raise a Jewish family. Will a Reform rabbi or cantor officiate at our wedding?
If One Member of a Couple is Jewish, but the Other Isn't, is Their Child Considered Jewish by the Reform Movement?
Historically, since the Rabbinic period (post 70 CE), Jewish status was passed down by the mother.
Is quinoa kosher for Passover?
Quinoa, a grain-like crop grown in South America, is not one of the grains considered chametz (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, or their derivatives). Some medieval Ashkenazi rabbis ruled that kitniyot (legumes) could not be eaten during Passover because they could be confused with chametz products. Some authorities consider quinoa to be kitniyot, while others do not.
How can we help children cope with natural disasters?
Hearing about and seeing images of people weeping, clutching loved ones in relief or in grief while standing in front of devastated homes and schools evokes painful feelings of sadness, fear and helplessness.