Question
Dear Rabbi, I seek clarification with regards to the roles men and woman play in the position of teacher or if you will, preaching the law of Moses and or the Old Testament. I notice throughout the holy writings men were the prominent teachers in the synagogue and in public discourse. Examples: Levitical Priesthood, authors (chosen of G-d), prophets (Debora being the exception) kings were all males. In the Old Testament God used women as judges and prophets. (See Judges 4:4; II Kings 22:14; Isaiah 8:3.) Could you explain as I believe thus far, it was men who should propagate the word. In rare cases women were called of G-d as the exception, not the rule. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful reply and effort. JD Lightner

Question
I’m at an early stage of considering becoming observant in Jewish lifestyle and practices, but something is on my mind that I think holds me back. If I go ahead and follow Jewish Orthodoxy, will I be looked down upon as a “second class citizen” by others who were born observant? Maybe this shouldn’t bother me, but it does. Thanks.

Question
Dear Rabbi, I have two close friends who recently got into a fight over what I consider a very insignificant matter. It hurts me to see them so angry at each other and I would love to see them make peace. Thanks for any advice!

Question
Hi Rabbi, is it a sin to be "too nosy"? If so, what’s the sin’s name? I have a bad habit of being nosy. I think that if I could give my nosiness the name of some sin, I could hopefully stop it. Thanks!

Question
Hi Rabbi, what does Judaism teach about protesting injustices in the world, such as racism, lack of religious freedoms and anti-Semitism? Thanks

Question
In Genesis it speaks of the Garden of Eden and mention two trees in particular. The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. God tells Adam and Eve they can eat from every tree in the garden except for the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. My question is: So could Man eat from the “Tree of Life”? Thank you.

Question
I am nominated for an excellence in teaching award and can possibly win 15,000 dollars that I can of course use and it would be great for the name of my school if I win. The problem with the award is that it can create possible feelings of jealousy among the teachers. According to Judaism is it my problem how other people allow themselves to feel and is it my responsibility not to create situations that may end up invoking bad feelings?

Question
Hi Rabbi, I’m often wondering, "What’s next in my life?" My friends tell me this it’s normal to think about one’s future. But, if I’m thinking about what will happen next, how can I really enjoy the present? Thanks!

Question
Shalom Rabbi, what is the Jewish perspective on birthdays and birthday celebrations? Thank you.

Question
Hi Rabbi, how can I be successful at enjoying the physical pleasures in the world but not be influenced in a bad way? Thanks!