Question
Hi Rabbi, I find the concept of “rest” on Shabbat confusing. Why is walking up eight flights of stairs in my high-rise building considered not “work,” but pushing an elevator button is yes considered work? Thanks for any insight.

Question
Dear Rabbi, I am searching for a Jewish tradition that I have heard of but cannot find online. When there is conflict and everybody is for one position, isn't there a tradition that no matter how plausible it is to defend that position, one person will be dedicated to defend the absolute opposite position? Something like that. I am looking for this tradition as I may have to defend my sister in such a manner because I love her. In short: It is a family argument and it could put peace to this. It is about the burial of my grandmother and it could happen that she'll be excluded because she is rebellious to how we want the burial to happen. If I would exclude myself too in case she is then afterwards she would have nothing much to say anymore for having been excluded. Please let me know what is behind that tradition ans where I could find something to read about. Thanks for your help in advance. Kind regards Patrick

Question
Is a Kohen allowed to marry a Jewish woman who lost her virginity to him before marriage?

Question
Asking on behalf of a friend: I am a Jewish man and I am gay. I’m in a relationship with a non-Jewish man but we want to have a Jewish family. If we adopt children, will they be Jewish? What steps would we need to take to ensure our children are accepted? Does my partner need to formally convert? Do we need to have a Jewish wedding? Should we consider a Jewish surrogate so the child will “technically” have a Jewish mother? Please, if you can’t accept gay marriage do not answer this question. We are simply looking for answers as to how to give our future children the most acceptance we can within our community.