Miscellaneous

1. Are tattoos really as looked down upon in Judaism as much as my family has told me growing up? 2. The synagogue I went to recently had a new cantor. What are the qualifications a cantor needs to have? 3. If someone who is keeping kosher accidentally eats something that is not kosher, what is he or she expected to do? 4. When my birthright group had Shabbat lunch with an Israeli family, one of the guests had a philosophy background and interpreted many of the prayers in a fascinating way. Can you recommend any books that combine Judaism and philosophy? 5. While I love that I had my Bat Mitzvah on my birthright trip, it certainly didn't come with the same level of work that I would have gone through had I had one back at home. 6. What, specifically, needs to be done for a Bat Mitzvah to be considered "official". Are these qualifications different if it's performed in Israel and at the Western Wall? 7. Similarly, before my flight to Israel on birthright, I was asked a lot of religious questions, including whether I had a Bat Mitzvah. If I fly to Israel again and am asked that same question, is the answer "yes"? My concern is that the security agent will ask me questions about my Torah Portion, and I did not have one. 8. I learned a bit about the significance of one's Jewish name on my trip, but I would love to learn more. Are there any resources you can share? 9. I loved how our Birthright bus had different people read the Traveler's Prayer each morning. Are there any other prayers related to travel that you can share? 10. I have been told that Jews do not hold baby showers or buy anything for a new baby before it's born. Can you explain the root of this?

1. How do Rabbis make money if not affiliated with a shul? 2. What is a shadchan? 3. Can a gay man become a Rabbi? 4. Are Kabblah organizations related to Judaism? 5. How many names does G-d have? 6. Do Orthodox Jews believe in the evil eye/Hamsa hand? 7. Do Orthodox Jews see the hamsa as a symbol of protection? 8. What is midrash? 9. Is there room for belief in evolution in Judaism? 10. Are all fruits and vegetables considered kosher?

Why doesn’t G-d feed the poor? Do Jews believe in sinning? Is there only one G-d? What’s the purpose of sitting shiva? How do Jews feel about dogs as pets? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? What is Kaddish? What is the Jewish take on abortion? Do Jews tend to be more liberal about political matters or more conservative? I’ve heard that some single women light 1 candle on Shabbos and some light 2. What is customary?

If you are setting up a kosher kitchen, can you wash the different sets of dishes in the same sink or dishwasher? If a non-Jewish man marries a Jewish woman are their kids still considered Jewish because she is? Why doesn't Judaism encourage conversion? Which is a holier day, Shabbat or Yom Kippur? If a person is medically unable to fast for Yom Kippur or other fasting days what is the most appropriate way to observe the day? Is there any guideline on how long a couple should date before being engaged? Similarly, is there a set amount of time a couple should be engaged before getting married? Can a single man light shabbat candles if he has no wife and does not live with female relatives? Is it acceptable to politely tell a married (observant Jewish) woman she looks beautiful as a compliment? (For example, at a special event or gathering) What does Havdalah represent?