Ask the Rabbi

Due to limited resources, the Ask the Rabbi service is intended for Jews of little background with nowhere else to turn. People with questions in Jewish law should consult their local rabbi. For genealogy questions try JewishGen.org. Note also that this is not a homework service!

Ask the Aish Rabbi a Question

Disposing of the Four Species

The Sukkot holiday is finished. We've taken down the Sukkah and put away the boards, but we're not sure what to do with the lulav and esrog that we... »

Ashkenazi versus Sephardic Jews

Can you explain to me something about the difference between Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jewry? What exactly do those terms mean and what are the... »

Apology Guidelines

If a person has done something to wrong another person, and wants to make amends, I know he is supposed to apologize. But in this case the person he... »

Why Do We Shake the Lulav?

Why do we shake the lulav in different directions? What is the significance of it? »

Cooking and Using Fire on Yom Tov

I recently read that you are allowed to use fire on Yom Tov, unlike Shabbat. Can you explain if this is the case and what it... means? »

Recommended Tehillim (Psalms) Lists

I have several frustrating issues going on in life today, as well as a relative who is really not well. I’d like to recite Tehillim. Is there a... »

Why First-borns Killed?

It has always bothered me why all of the first-borns in Egypt had to suffering in that final, devastating plague. There is no mention in the verses... »