Question
I am going through perimenopause and one way that I am suffering is that I am not sleeping enough. Usually I wake up 4am and since I don’t get to sleep till 11pm most nights that means I end up sleep deprived. This has been going on for years, worse at some times, not as bad others. I have heard about HRT and am not sure about it- whether it is halachically permitted, safe or has other side effects that would outweigh its benefits. Ideally I would like a more natural approach to handle it. I wonder how detrimental this lack of sleep is long term to my health. But then I also think that if G-d made our bodies so that we would go through this experience during perimenopause then we shouldn’t unnaturally mess with our bodies because He wouldn’t approve. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any halachic guidelines about this?  

Question
Dear Rabbi, Would you teach me the meaning of the manna that was eaten in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt? Thanks

Question
I was wondering if you could tell me what the halacha says about what to do in terms of hostage negotiations. What is the right thing to do to get hostages back? Is exchanging 100s of terrorists and criminals for less than a handful of hostages both dead and alive the correct course of action? I just wondered considering the chances that these people can then potentially kill so many more people. I look forward to hearing your response. Regards   Hayley

Question
If someone loses a family member, and does not have any shiva hours in your locality following the funeral because they are leaving town immediately after, but does have an ‘open house’ prior to the burial for those who wish to have a ‘shiva’ visit, is it permitted to visit?