What are the reules governing fasting for minor holidays, like the Fast of Esther? My sons and I fast on Yom HaShoah. Thanks.

what percentage of the jews did not follow Moses out of egypt and what happened to them? do we know who they are and are they still considered to be jewish?

ive gone to yeshiva alomost all my life and there have been things ive accepted and been very strickt at and there are things that compromise at times. i am currently 23 yrs old and have had a few relationships, and one thing that ihave never compromised on is having sexual intercourse. ive always thought its one hting i will never break no matter how close it came to, and i suprise myself sometimes. i need to know what the averyra is. with or without a jew. is there a real averya against it or is it something that has become taboo? please be specific in your ans as to what is and what is not ok.

Do you have any Shabbatons in English in Israel? We were accustomed to going to Shabbatons in the United States, and since we made aliyah three years ago we have found it difficult to find English-speaking Shabbaton experiences here. Thank you.

I have a question about Pesach and Lag B'Omer and Shavuos. I have absolutely no idea how to properly observe it because everyone has their own customs and differing ideas. I would like to know exactly when the mourning period had started and when it ends (excluding the break of Lag B'Omer on May 16) What exactly is a non-married female prohibited from doing? May I shave my legs, get my hair dyed, cut my toenails, buy new clothes, go out with friends, enjoy myself, or greet someone with excitement? I don't know exactly what the prohibitions are and when I have to observe them and everyone is giving me so many different answers that I just want a definitive guideline as to how to guard my actions and behaviors during this time! Thank you very much!