Ask the Rabbi

Birth

Reproduction, Pregnancy Brit Milah (Circumcision) Pidyon HaBen Names

Marriage

Dating Wedding Ceremony Marriage - General Intimacy Issues In-Laws Divorce Intermarriage

Death & Mourning

Death - Misc. Burial & Graves Mourning & Kaddish Yahrtzeit & Yizkor Suicide Inheritance (Yerusha) Soul & Afterlife

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. Note that this is not a homework service!

Ask the Aish Rabbi a Question

Do I Really Need To Give?

I work very hard for my money and I resent the fact that Jewish charities and organizations are constantly hounding me for donations. If I were... »

Why Not Milk & Meat?

I love cheeseburgers, but I always feel guilty that it’s not a “good Jewish food.” What is behind this whole idea of not mixing... »

Exodus - Blood on the Doorpost

The Torah describes (Exodus 12:6-7) how each Hebrew family designates a lamb, and sets it aside. On the evening of the Israelites' deliverance from... »

Kiddush Without Wine

I am allergic to grapes. Is there an alternative way I can make Kiddush – perhaps on a different beverage? »

Cousin Marriages

Does the Torah permit cousin marriages? Is the topic discussed at all? I’m concerned in particular because the inbreeding is likely to cause genetic... »

The Number 40

In my Torah studies I keep running across the number 40 - for example, Moses on Mount Sinai for 40 days. Is there an underlying message of the... »

Torah versus Talmud?

I'm hoping that you can clarify a few terms that are not clear for me. What is the difference between Torah, Talmud, Mishnah, Gemara and Midrash. If... »

The Myth of What Men Want

Girls' Names

6 Interesting Facts about Falafel