- Congregation Beth El–Keser Israel
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
85 Harrison Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1724 | P: 203.389.2108 | office@beki.org
Dear Rabbi, When Hanuka is on a Friday night, which lights do we light first, the Shabbat or the Hanuka? Signed, Light Right Dear Light Right, Light the Hanuka candles first, then the Shabbat candles. Once Shabbat candles are lighted and the blessing recited, one should not kindle any lights until after the conclusion of Continue Reading »
Dear Rabbi, What determines which sefer Torah [Torah scroll] is taken from the ark? Sincerely, Better Sefer than Sorry Dear Safer, It is common to have more than one sefer Torah in the ark, which is the case at BEKI. All of the Torah scrolls are identical inside, with respect to the letters, words and Continue Reading »
Dear Rabbi, I know that the Conservative movement said it is okay to drive on shabbat, but I for one don’t want to. Yet, the synagogue is a bit too far to walk. Can I ride a bike and still keep the rules of the sabbath? Signed, At the limit Dear Limit, The problem you Continue Reading »
Dear Rabbi, Can say I say mourners’ qaddish at a Shiva Minyan if I’m observing a yahrzeit but not one of the mourners during shiva? Signed, Still Mourning Dear Still, Yes, you may. “Mourners’ Qaddish” is specifically for anyone who is mourning and needs to say qaddish. Dear Rabbi, Why do people use the back Continue Reading »
Dear Rabbi, I like to brush my teeth after every meal. Do I need separate toothbrushes for meat and dairy? Signed, Choppers Dear Compulsive Cavity Curber, The rules of kashrut (keeping kosher) require the strict separation of meat and milk. To answer your question, we must ask two more. Do actual meat or dairy pieces Continue Reading »
The Ottoman Land Code and Registration Laws of 1858 and 1859 contributed to the conflict between Jews and Arabs in Palestine and Israel. (See map below.) This essay will outline the intent and provisions of the laws; then, will describe some effects of the laws; and finally, will discuss the implications for Jewish-Arab relations. Intent Continue Reading »
The reconciliation of Jacob and his brother Esau is narrated in Genesis chapter 33. After an unfriendly parting, Jacob had been away from home for about 22 years. Now, after having married and begun a sizable family, he wishes to return to his ancestral home. He is frightened. In fact, he is terrified of what Continue Reading »
“What did the animals do to deserve destruction?” This question, raised by our students when discussing the Noah story, is also asked in the Zohar (Perush HaSulam I:68a), the 12th-century work on Jewish mysticism (Qabbala). The Torah text explains that humanity had become corrupt and irredeemably sinful. But why should the innocent animals be washed Continue Reading »
In Western civilization, hunting is seen as a noble and manly pursuit. In Greek and Nordic mythology hunters are heros; in popular culture hunting is the epitome of manliness. Twenty-five million people in the US hunt, killing over 100 million animals each year. In a typical year, several hundred people are killed and 1,500 are Continue Reading »
The Torah tells of the conflict and partial reconciliation between Jacob and Esau, two brothers from a “dysfunctional family.” Va-yomer im-yavo `Esav el-ha-mahane ha-ahat vehikkahu (whkhw) ve-haya ha-mahane ha-nishar li-feleita Jacob was greatly frightened; in his anxiety, he divided the people with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, thinking, “If Continue Reading »
