Could you advise if I should light memorial candle this Yom Kippur for my brother who passed away in July this year. Thank you

My question concerns a situation dealing with my son . I am his biological mother , My husband adopted him . I am being forced to end up telling him the truth sooner than I'd really like to , he is only 8 and also is diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome . The reason I am being forced to tell him is because we live in a very small town , and his biological father moved right down the street from us . I am extremely worried that someone that wont care how it effects my son , will tell him , and it would effect him negatively ...... I did speak with the biological father and let him know that I am planning to tell my son the truth , and if after I tell him , if he should want to meet or talk to his biological father how would he deal with it ?? He told me he'd think about it , and get back with me to talk , I am getting nothing from him . He also let me know that I should re think this about telling my son ...... I can't not tell him .......How should I handle this ???? Thank U , worried mom

Dear Rabbi: I think this is a lot more than one question - but they're all inter-related, so bear with me if you would........... I would like to know if a belief in God is necessary to be Jewish or is being Jewish merely an accident of birth? My father, my son (who received a Jewish education and was Bar-mitzvah'd) - every Jewish friend I ever had - none of them believe in God even in the abstract. BUT, most of them go to temple on Fri or Sat, give their kids Jewish educations and confirmations. Isn't Judaism a religion anymore? Is the God of the Jews some vague idea of some vague principles that has no real impact on people's lives? Doesn't God care about each of us and can't we speak to Him directly? Thanks for the forebearance.

in Jerimiah 9: 17,18 what is the mouring women, ? what is wailing? thank you so very much for your help

What is the thread of blue made of?