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
A married gentile woman desires to convert to Judaism, but plans to continue living with her gentile husband, who does not wish to convert along with her. May she be converted?
by Rabbi David Novak
Because of a psychological condition, a woman cannot place her head under water. Could this woman convert without full bodily immersion?
by Rabbi David Novak
Some kashrut organizations have prohibited the use of a number of vegetables and required that others have a hekhsher in order to be eaten. Is it forbidden to eat certain vegetables because of insect infestation? Do vegetables require kosher certification?
by Rabbi David Novak
In a certain Orthodox synagogue, there are several members who have objected to the height of the physical separation (mehitzah) between the men’s and women’s sections of the synagogue, which is fifty inches, claiming that it is not in accordance with Jewish law (Halakhah) based on the learned opinion of “great scholars” (gedolim). They are therefore seeking the agreement of the membership to raise the height of this mehitzah to the shoulder height of women when standing. In this matter, there are two basic questions: What is the basis for maintaining the mehitzah the synagogue already has? Should the mehitzah be raised?
by Rabbi Gershon Bacon
Would the etrog produced from the final rooted tree be kosher for use on Sukkot?
by Rabbi Gershon Bacon
Is a person with a hearing disability obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of shofar? Can he blow the shofar for the congregation?
by Rabbi David Novak
How does a vegetarian fulfill the mitzvah of “you shall rejoice in your festival”?
by Rabbi Gershon Bacon
What should be the practice of Israelis visiting the Diaspora or Diaspora Jews visiting Israel regarding the second day of Yom Tov (Yom Tov Sheni Shel Galuyot)? At what point does one’s custom change?
by Rabbi David Novak
In Exodus 12:43, the Torah says, “This is the law of the Passover sacrifice: a non-Jew may not eat from it.” Since the modern-day Seder includes a “remembrance of the Passover sacrifice,” does this decree still apply, thereby prohibiting a non-Jew from participating in the Seder?
by Rabbi David Novak
Is it permissible for a sheli’ah tzibur (one who leads the congregation in prayer) to repeat words or phrases?
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