Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.
by Rabbi David Novak
Are there foods that are permissible to eat in a non-kosher restaurant? Should a person who normally wears a head covering remove it in a non-kosher restaurant to avoid giving a bad appearance which may lead others to assume the restaurant is kosher and eat non-kosher food?
by Rabbi David Novak
A woman has not received a get from her first husband. May the wedding party following her second marriage take place in a traditional synagogue?
by Rabbi David Novak
A congregation has asked whether it might be permissible for a synagogue to hire a bus driven by a non-Jew to drive a set route on Shabbat morning with set stops on a fixed schedule so that Jews who would otherwise be unable to walk to synagogue might be able to attend services without violating Shabbat.
by Rabbi Wayne Allen and Rabbi Gershon Bacon
Is it halakhically permitted to invite a non-observant Jew to one’s home on Shabbat or Yom Tov realizing that in order to come the guests would have to drive? Is it better for those who would violate Shabbat anyway to come and participate in the celebration of Shabbat or is this considered a mitzvah derived from the violation of the law and thus unacceptable?
by Rabbi David Novak
One particular synagogue’s constitution identifies the synagogue as a traditional Conservative synagogue. Because of the petition of a few very vocal women and a number of male supporters, the congregation now contemplates arranging an alternative egalitarian service which the rabbi and cantor would be expected to attend. May a traditional rabbi or cantor be expected to attend an egalitarian service?
by Rabbi David Novak
A congregation has read Torah according to the triennial cycle for five years. The rabbi wishes to return to the traditional annual cycle. Before deciding the matter, the congregation and the rabbi agreed to study the matter. Is there any halakhic objection to the triennial cycle and what procedure should be followed should the congregation decide to continue its current practice?
by Rabbi David Novak
It has been the occasional practice in one synagogue to honor congregants with aliyot to the Torah without regard to the order of kohen, levi or yisrael. At such times, kohanim and levi ‘im are asked to leave the sanctuary to allow others to receive the aliyot and earn the synagogue a sizable donation for the honor. Can this practice be justified on both halakhic and economic grounds and, if so, what ought the proper procedure be?
by Rabbi David Novak
May a diploma of Cantor legitimately be granted to a woman?
Enjoying UTJ Viewpoints?
UTJ relies on your support to promote an open-minded approach to Torah rooted in classical sources and informed by modern scholarship. Please consider making a generous donation to support our efforts.
