Taxes
Q: I purchased a $300 item and the overseas company notified me that the cost recorded
was less than $100 (apparently to expedite delivery and avoid tax). How can I
reimburse the parties involved?
A:
Donate money to the Israel Defense Forces.
Literature
Q: Is Sefer Ha-Razim (a book containing cryptic mystical content) considered
authentic Jewish literature?
A:
No. It's nonsense and heresy.
Kashrut
Q: Is every tea essence Kosher, for example 'Combochia'?
A:
If it's pure tea essence without additional ingredients it's Kosher.
Stringencies
Q: The Rambam states that the middle path in life is preferable. This being the
case, are stringencies in lifestyle recommended?
A:
Stringencies are recommended for very few individuals as we learn in the Guide
for the Perplexed (Moreh Nevuchim, written by the Rambam). Everyone may
carefully and gradually add stringencies to his lifestyle (see the first
chapter of Hilchot Deot).
Netilat Yadayim Vessel
Q:
Is Netilat Yadayim permitted with a vessel manufactured from non-Kosher
materials?
A:
Yes, but preferably not.
Different interpretations of Jewish Law
Q: How can I distinguish between authentic differences of
opinion within Jewish Law and what is extraneous to Judaism?
A: Check the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Messilat Yesharim or any
book of Halacha.
Eating Chumus
Q: Is dipping pita, crackers etc. into a plate of Chumus
acceptable?
A: No. It's respectable to use cutlery.
Beit Knesset
Q: Is it permissible to pray in a Shul where the Mechitza not
in accordance with Jewish Law?
A: No. The Shul is an official place of prayer, supplication
and service of the Creator.
Kaddish
Q: When a grandson has been delegated the
responsibility of reciting Kaddish (according to the Rama), should he, in
addition to saying it during the first eleven months, also recite Kaddish on
the Yahrtzeit?
A: Out of reverence he should recite Kaddish on the Yahrtzeit
as well (based on Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah and Sefer Mateh Ephraim)
Parents and Children
Q: What is the appropriate reaction of a parent whose devout
and learned son apparently abandoned his religious lifestyle? In such a case would
one say that the child's decision is Hashem's will?
A: Hashem wants us to perform the Mitzvot. Beseech Hashem
with all your might and sincerely pray that your son will repent.