Torah

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

QUESTION: In my wife's family, women count Sefirat Haomer. This is something that I have not seen in my own family, although they are quite observant. As a newly married couple, we are quite confused.Please discuss this matter and explain.No name pleaseToronto, Ontario

QUESTION: In my wife's family, women count Sefirat Haomer. This is something that I have not seen in my own family, although they are quite observant. As a newly married couple, we are quite confused.Please discuss this matter and explain.No name pleaseToronto, Ontario