Question
After decades of going to a reformed temple for high holy day services, I am going to an orthodox synagogue this year. The orthodox synagogue does Birkat Cohanim. I went to an orthodox synagogue growing up. I am a Cohen and participated in it. As of today, I have lived with my gentile partner for almost 40 years, but never officially married her. She and I raised two kids together who are now fully grown. If this is the case, do I qualify to participate in the Birkat Cohanim ritual?

Question
If I discover during a multi-day Yom Tov that I am out of my medication that I take to prevent seizures, does that justify breaking Yom Tov and driving to the pharmacy to obtain a refill? If I were to miss a dose or two, the chance I could have a seizure is very slim, but it exists. And if I did have a seizure, the chance that I could die or cause someone else’s death is very slim, but it exists. It is perhaps a 1 in 10,000 chance, but that is still greater than nothing. The only way I can get these pills is to go in person to the pharmacy, which is too far to be a practical walk. And I cannot get a non-Jew to do it for me either.

Question
Dear Rabbi, I am planning to fast on this Yom Kippur for the first time and would like to have a better understanding of the essence of the day. Rabbi, how would you explain the idea of Yom Kippur so that I can hopefully have a more meaningful experience? Thanks.

Question
Dear Rabbi, During these days of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, I hear the word “teshuva” quite often. What does it mean and why is it so important? Thanks!