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
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
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 certain deaf man who has mastered sign language and can express his every thought and request in this manner has asked his rabbi whether he may receive an aliyah to the Torah and recite the blessings in sign language. The rabbi has referred this question to the Panel of Halakhic Inquiry.
by Rabbi David Novak
To what extent are men obligated to wear a tallit katan? I currently do not wear a tallit katan and have received no clear answer on what I should do
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 David Novak
Is it permissible for a bride to give the groom a ring under the huppah and, if so, when may the ring be presented and what may the bride say?
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?
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