Question
Dear Rabbi, I am making a needlepoint cover case for a mezuzah and there are two inserts available. One is hand-written, the other one is reproduced. Is there a religious difference, or just a price difference?

Question
I’ve seen people kiss the mezuzah when leaving or entering their home. My question is: Why? Btw, I really enjoy the questions and answers you post in your weekly Shabbat Shalom newsletter. Thanks!

Question
Just saw the recent question from someone else about honoring parents. I’ve always wondered if ‘obey’ is a part of honor part of this commandment requires one to obey one’s parents very strictly under all circumstances (with the obvious exception of a parent’s command to violate Torah law). For example, is one strictly required to obey one’s parent asking for a favor or chore, even if s/he is too lazy? Is one required to obey one’s parents’ wishes to enter a certain profession, even if s/he does not wish? Is one required to obey a parent’s command to refrain from engaging in a certain activity that many people normally do that in itself does not violate Torah law? Is one required to obey one’s parents’ command not to associate with a specific person?

Question
I've heard that you should not drink water that was left uncovered overnight. I have a kettle that has a closed lid with water in it, but its spout is not covered. Does that count as uncovered water or not?

Question
Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of hair? Why does Judaism seem so concerned with it? Women cover their hair, men have peyot (sidelocks), and boys have their first haircut at age three... Thank you

Question
I am right handed and am currently in the hospital for 3 days with an I.V. in the top of my left hand. I asked the nurse if it would be Ok to wrap the Retzuos over the I.V. site and she advised against it as she said it could stop the fluids from entering properly. Should I wrap the Tefillin shel yad on my right arm temporarily until I no longer have the I.V. or do I refrain from wrapping the shel yad? I am unsure of the halacha for this matter and have not put tefiilin yet today. I would greatly need a response before sunset.

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What should a person do when his friend is sick? Is there any special mitzvah?

Question
Dear Rabbi, What is the significance of hair? Why does Judaism seem so concerned with it? Women cover their hair, men have peyot (sidelocks), and boys have their first haircut at age three... Thank you