Torah

QUESTION: Is it halachically permissible to pack on the Sabbath or Yom Tov for a trip to be taken on the next day?Moishe HalberstamBrooklyn, NY

QUESTION: What is the significance of Pesach Sheni, which seems to be just another notation on the calendar?Shlomo FeivelsonCoconut Creek, FL

QUESTION: I have received the good news that I am going to be accepted as a full-fledged member of the Jewish people. The Beit Din informed me that the gerutwill become effective a short while before Rosh Chodesh Iyar (late May), during Sefirat HaOmer. Do I continue to count Sefira after my gerut as I have been doing before it? I was told that a similar topic was previously discussed in this column. Perhaps you can helpme with my specific situation. Avraham b. Avraham (via e-mail)

QUESTION: I have received the good news that I am going to be accepted as a full-fledged member of the Jewish people. The Beit Din informed me that the gerut will become effective a short while before Rosh Chodesh Iyar (late May), during Sefirat HaOmer. Do I continue to count Sefira after my gerut as I have been doing before it? I was told that a similar topic was previously discussed in this column. Perhaps you can help me with my specific situation. Avraham b. Avraham(via e-mail)

QUESTION: When I recently got married, I discovered that my wife has a different custom regarding Passover, namely, not eating matza and matza products that have been soaked or cooked in water, also known as the practice of 'brocking'. What is this based on? Whosepractice should prevail in our home?Name Omitted By Request

QUESTION: I have noticed that when we eat the matza at the Seder on Passover, we recite the blessing of Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz, followed by Al achilat matza. Why don't we say Al achilat matza when we eat matza during the remainder of Passover?Moshe JakobowitzBrooklyn, NY

QUESTION: I have noticed that when we eat the matza at the seder on Passover, we recite the blessing of Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz, followed by Al achilat matza. Why don't we say Al achilat matza when we eat matza during the remainder of Passover?Moshe JakobowitzBrooklyn, NY

QUESTION: On Purim we read the Megilla but do not recite Hallel, unlike other holidays. I am told that the Talmud teaches that the Megilla replaces Hallel. If so, could the Passover Haggadah replace Hallel as well? (Yet we do say Hallel on Passover.) I also remember learning that there is a connection between the holidays of Purim and Passover. Please explain.Andy Goodman(Via e-mail)

New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Jan. 31, 2003 - 28 Shevat 5763
4:52 p.m. E.S.T.

QUESTION: I am intrigued by the fact that the New Year for trees is in the middle of the month and not at the beginning of a month, as all the other New Years. Even the gentiles begin their New Year at the start of a month. Do you have an explanation for this?

New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Jan. 17, 2003 - 14 Shevat 5763
4:35 p.m. E.S.T.
Sabbath Ends: 5:45 p.m. E.S.T.

New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Jan. 10, 2003 - 7 Shevat 5763
4:27 p.m. E.S.T.

New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Dec. 27, 2002 - 22 Teves 5763
4:15 p.m. E.S.T.
Sabbath Ends: 5:26 p.m. E.S.T.

QUESTION: My son is enrolled in one of the major yeshivot in Israel. Though he is learning very well, I am extremely tense at all times. My question is: In times of danger like today, is it proper to allow him to continue learning there? Would it not be possible for him to learn elsewhere with the same results?

QUESTION: My son is enrolled in one of the major yeshivot in Israel. Though he is learning very well, I am extremely tense at all times. My question is: In times of danger like today, is it proper to allow him to continue learning there? Would it not be possible for him to learn elsewhere with the same results?Name withheld by request

New York City
CANDLE LIGHTING TIME
Feb. 1, 2002 ? 19 Shevat 5762
4:53 p.m. E.S.T.

QUESTION: How do we celebrate the minor, insignificant holiday of Tu B'Shevat?

New York City candle-lighting time and more.

QUESTION: I saw an item recently in the Jewish Press where a group of rabbis met with elected officials to promote a 'Moment of Silence' in public schools. What is the halachic basis for this type of prayer?Shlomo FeivelsonCoconut Creek, FL

QUESTION: May a mohel perform a bris for a non-Orthodox couple who adopt a Gentile infant whom they wish to raise as Jewish?No name pleaseLos Angeles, CA