Question
Dear Rabbi, I was contacted by a group in Israel to volunteer visiting wounded soldiers in the hospital on occasion. Sounds good and I am wondering if this is mitzvah and what should be the goal my going? Thanks!

Question
Oh hello! Weird question that I'm hoping someone can help me with! I'm a ceramic artist (I make porcelain functional pottery) and I'm working on a wedding gift for two close friends. This couple is fairly observant and I want to make sure that anything I make them (I'm thinking a large serving bowl or platter for Shabbos) is fully kosher. I make all of my own materials from scratch, including clay and glazes, and I fire my work to close to 2400f, which is about as hot as any type of ceramic-ware would be fired to (I use high-fire clay as opposed to porous earthenware). I don't see any reason why handmade ceramics wouldn't be kosher, unless perhaps I were to fire a kiln on Shabbat or rub a bunch of treif food over everything, neither of which I plan to do... Nonetheless, I want to make sure I'm making something that can be used, and I actually don't know anyone in the Orthodox community who makes pottery so...here we are. I'd love some feedback! And luckily, if an issue pops up, I can always just make a vase...   Thanks!

Question
Does Friday have any special holiness above earlier days of the week because it is closer to Shabbat? Does the day need to be treated with any extra respect? Are there any activities in modern times that Jewish law actually either requires or forbids us to do on Erev Shabbat in honor of Shabbat?

Question
Hi, This is more an emotional question I'm hoping you can provide insight on. I'm seeing a therapist but I wanted to get a Jewish perspective on it. My husband and I have unexplained infertility. We've had many tests and procedures done, but we have been unable to have any children. B'H we are both healthy and are able to live life. But I'm not understanding why Hashem would put this pain my heart while trying to face the fact we may not become parents. Thank you for your time. B'H