My company is installing marble countertops in a new kosher kitchern. Since marble can easliy stain we typically use a chemical sealer. I was asked if the sealer compromises the integrity of the kosher kithen. Would you know the answer to this? Thank you.

My mother is in the last stages of cancer and though she was brough up in a conservatve/kosher household she only wants to be cremated. I do not wsh to go aginst her wishes,,but am not sure where to turn. My father on the other hand wants me to contact a rabbi for a private service. My brother was br mitzvah and I was confirmed, but we haven't belonged formally to a synagogue (reform)in years. Where do I turn? I feel she should be buried, but she insists no. Please gve me some guidance, it wll be most appreciated B'shalom, Lindsay Heiden.

I have recently stopped smoking and am doing this with the help of Nicorette gum which contains nicotine. My question is whether or not Nicorette is kosher generally and for Pesach?

We are a Christian homeschooling family who would like very much to teach our children about the roots of our faith. Can you recommend any literature for children in elementary school and their parents? Thank you!

What is the signifcance of washing our hands before we eat bread? How is it done? What is the significance of looking for chometz with a feather and candle if you have already cleaned your house?