Should I protest on behalf of others?

Question: I am a teacher at a Jewish school and recently took part in the one-day strike. I had some qualms and I am fortunate that the changes in pension provision will not adversely affect me. But I felt I had to make a stand on behalf of colleagues. Was I right?

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Which husband should I be buried next to?

Question: My first husband died after a very happy marriage together, which produced two children. After some time, I remarried and have been blessed with an equally happy marriage. When the time comes, which husband should I be buried next to?

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Should you recite a blessing over earthquakes

Question: A friend of mine said there is a blessing you can make if you hear thunder — which is also said on experiencing a hurricane or earthquake. But how can one make a berachah over events that wreak devastation and cause massive loss of life?

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Is the Book of Life just a metaphor or something we are required to believe literally?

Question: I am stirred by the sound of the shofar and some of the melodies in synagogue at Rosh Hashanah. But what I find hard to take is the idea that God will decide our fate for the rest of the year. Is the Book of Life just a metaphor or something we are required to believe literally?

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Should I believe in a Jewish hell?

Question: I always thought that Jews don’t believe in hell but then someone told there is a place called Gehinom where wicked souls are sent. I find the whole idea of eternal punishment troubling. What should I believe?

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My wife has become too religious, how can I cope?

Question: My wife was always more observant than I am but she has become more religious. I don't mind taking our boys to shul on Shabbat, but now she wants me to stop taking them to football on Saturday afternoon too.

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Could a Jewish parent bury their dead child with their teddy?

Question: A non-Jewish friend of mine lost a three-year-old child and put his teddy bear in the coffin. Would a Jewish parent in a similar situation be able to do the same?

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I'm not Jewish, can I go to a Jewish school?

Question: Our synagogue has been approached by a non-Jewish family who want their child to go Shabbat services in order to qualify for entry to the local Jewish school. The school rules stipulate only that children have to attend services a certain number of times a year, not whether they are Jewish. What should we do?

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Our parents want a lavish simchah, we don't - what do we do?

Question: My fiancé and I are happy to have a small wedding. But my parents want a larger simchah to invite all their friends and relatives, and are willing to pay even if it means financially stretching themselves. How do we sort out an increasingly stressful situation?

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Should I give in to my in-laws' superstitions?

Question: My in-laws want us to tie a red ribbon on the cot of our new baby to protect from the evil eye. I am adamant that I'll have no truck with such superstitious mumbo-jumbo but my wife says it can't do any harm and I should give in just to humour her parents.

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Should I correct my elderly mother's eating habits?

Question: I often eat with my mother, who is in her late 80s, but she sometimes mixes up the meat and milk crockery. If her home is no longer reliably kosher, should I do something, or out of respect for a parent, say nothing?

Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. What should I do about my screaming neighbours next door? December 29, 2010 Question: We are regularly disturbed by the sound of our neighbours screaming at each other through the walls. Do you think we should have a word with their rabbi about what is going on or only intervene if there were any indication of physical abuse? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Are Chanucah donuts bad for obesity? December 2, 2010 Question: It's hard to encourage healthy eating habits in your children when the foods we have for Chanucah — latkes and doughuts — seem just the opposite. Shouldn’t rabbis be doing more to combat the threat of obesity and do you have any ideas for an alternative festival food? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Is it better to ask a male acquaintance to help me conceive or to use artificial insemination? November 12, 2010 Question: I am a single woman in my late 30s. I despair of finding a suitable husband but I am anxious to have a child before it is too late. From a Jewish point of view, is it better to ask a male acquaintance to help me conceive or to use artificial insemination? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. How do I tell my Christian parents I'm converting? October 14, 2010 Question: How should I explain to my deeply Christian parents that I want to convert to Judaism? I don’t know how to tell them that I don’t believe in their religion without causing a rift that may be irreparable. Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Is it all right to own a television? August 26, 2010 Question: My husband thinks that television is a baleful influence on the children and wants to get rid of our sets. I think that’s going too far and it’s better for them to learn to view in moderation than deprive them of the experience. Which of us is right? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Is it hypocritical to keep kosher at home, but eat non-kosher out? July 28, 2010 Question: My parents are probably typical of many in keeping kosher at home but eating non-kosher meat out. I keep getting into arguments with them because it all seems so hypocritical. Shouldn’t you keep it all rather the bits you feel you want to keep? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Would a mezuzah be an appropriate gift for a Catholic baby? July 1, 2010 Question: A close friend who is a Catholic has just given birth to a baby girl. I want to give the child a gift that would be symbolic of my tradition, and a mezuzah would be an ideal blessing of the new baby’s room. Would this be appropriate? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. What should I do about my tattoos before converting? June 3, 2010 Question: I’m from a Christian background and have been studying Judaism for two years in order to convert. I keep kosher and observe Shabbat but I have a problem. I have tattoos. I understand they are forbidden but what can I do since they are a permanent part of my body? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. Is a circumcision performed by a gentile valid Jewishly? May 6, 2010 Question: A friend of mine is pregnant, is expecting a son and is very nervous about circumcision. She is thinking of having it done in hospital by a surgeon who may well be non-Jewish. Would that still be valid Jewishly? Rabbi Naftali Brawer Naftali Brawer is rabbi at Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue. More.. 123next ›last » Subscribe About Advertise with us E-Paper Terms & conditions RSS feeds Send us a photo