Question
What are the Jewish laws about dating someone you just met and became friendly with versus using a shadchan to find a spouse? I am in college now. There is a Hillel on the campus, and I have dated a few Jewish girls I met in the Hillel. I want to get married someday. This is not just for fun. So far, I not clicked with any of them, and no one I know there seems like someone I want to marry, but I would not have known that unless I dated them. My parents think what I am doing is wrong. They think it is forbidden to date anyone you are not matched up with through a shadchan. They were matched up by a shadchan themselves and they believe it is the only permissible way to meet one’s spouse. The Hillel rabbi is not orthodox. I would like an answer from an orthodox rabbi.

Question
Dearest Rabbi, I am at the "end of my wits." My own mother's sister raped me when I was all of four years of age and again at fourteen years of age. How do I "even" deal with "this..?" "This" being incest and in my own family. I am struggling mightily day by day to "cope" with the devastation and the long term consequences (sequelae in psychological "jargon"). I am fifty-eight years of age and I have not to date had one single relationship romantic, dating, anything at all.

Question
Dear Rabbi, I saw a video of an IDF soldier in Gaza who showed that he has a 20 NIS bill tucked in a special pocket on his sleeve near his shoulder. Is this some kind of a Jewish custom or just another place to keep money in addition to his regular pocket? Thanks

Question
Hi. I'm curious in learning more about Judaism as a whole. I grew up Baptist and then went to methodist church with my grandparents.   I've always been drawn to the beliefs of what I think Judaism is. I was always under the impression that Judaism is a questioning practice. You're meant to question why things are the way they are etc.   I've always been pulled into it. I've also taken a Christianity quiz and it shows I'm closer to Judaism. I'm not sure where to go or to look for, for the answers I'm looking for.