Employment question: Someone was hired to work for someone (paid with a 1099). He received his monthly check ($5000) and then the boss stopped the check and told him that he wants nothing to do with him and doesn't want to speak about it. The boss seems to be a bit unstable (in the mind, right now). The employee had quit his full-time job for this job. (He was approached by the boss to work for him, he did not go out and seek this job.) There's one thing about firing him - now he has no work. But he can look for work. It is entirely different, and seemingly illegal to withhold wages. Since it was a 1099, i assume he cannot file for unemployment. What legal/ halachic actions can he take at this point to recover the money and even money for the next few weeks, when he is suddenly unemployed. Where can he turn? He is distraught and desperately needs that money. thanks deekras@aol.com

I am invited to a friend's house for Shabbos dinner. Should I still light the Shabbos candles, even though no one will be home?

Dear Rabbi Moshe Newman, You said me to call on an Orthodox Rabbi whom I can speak with at length about my personal situation. But I don't know any Rabbi Orthodox or not. And according to best of my knowledge far from Rabbi there is not a single Jew lives in our country. Now what to do? I am ready to come Israel for permanent living. Will you help me? By the way, are you in Israel or USA? Here I fail to collect a Stone edition Chumas as you advised me to read. If it is possible will you please give me a copy as a gift? I want to start a new life. Best wishes, Habibur Rahman

Firstly, please, please, please. keep this secret and anonymous. I don't want this to leak to anyone in the whole wide world. Thanks! I come from an orthodox family. Actually, ultra orthodox. The details of my story don't exactly matter, but I have this guy now, whom I'm very good friends with. We both know we can't do whatever we want with each other, but he would like to go somewhere with our relationship. Could you please tell me exactly what and how much is forbidden? Are we allowed to touch? To kiss? How far can I go, and where should I stay clear from? Please, this issue is really very important to me. I'd appreciate if u can get back to me, ASAP. It's urgent and I'm desparate. Really. Again, please, please, please, please keep this PRIVATE and CONFIDENTIAL. Thank you very very very much.

I have a question regarding the Hebrew language. I do not yet speak it, but the word '-et and 'et- as found in Genesis 1:1, Genesis1:27, Genesis 2:7-8. The word has no translation into English so what is the idea that the word attempt to convey? Is the word hyphenated along with another word, such as a verb, in order to point to the next direct object? if so, does this word proced the verb or how is this decided? Thanks, Michael