Question
What is the significance in Judaism of the colors blue and white? Many talit are white with blue stripes. The Israeli flag is white with blue stripes and a star of David. It seems like a common color theme. Is there any significance? Or did it evolve in popular culture over time like red and green for Christmas?

Question
When I visited the Western Wall on my Birthright trip, I noticed men and women prayed separately and there was a third area for egalitarian prayer. Why do men and women, at least Orthodox men and women, pray separately?

Question
My six year old son asked me why some Hebrew letters have an “end letter” and others don’t. Thank you so much for your reply and for all your time that you put into answering all these questions!

Question
There is a special hand greeting done in the Star Trek series by Mr. Spock to "live long and prosper". I was told it’s a Hebrew blessing and I have also seen it on plaques and souvenirs in Israel. Would you please help me learn more about it? Thanks.

Question
I would like to know the source of the evil eye symbol and red strings that are sold as jewelry in Judaica stores. Is it permissible to wear them? Should it remind the wearer of something? Is it considered in any way to be idol worship?

Question
What does the palm tree signify in Judaism?

Question
OS 283 I live in a Jewish town and go to a Jewish school where we study Torah daily. However, I'm still not sure as to the laws of Shabbat relating to my daily life. My friend said that if you have good intentions and stay home and rest but still use electricity that is still observing the Shabbat but I have trouble accepting this because it would contradict too many other laws that I observe. I do want to keep the Shabbat but I'm not sure how.