I am searching for a shul where I would be comfortable as a member. I was born a Jew but not at all educated in Torah practices. I have taken a crash reading course in Hebrew and can read prayers but phonetically, without understanding (unless a transliteration is present). My question is: what, generally, are the differences among Orthodox, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed, etc. congregations?

The festival of Shavuot (Firstfruits Offering) is 6/2/2006 this year. My question is two part. First, Is the tithe and the firstfruits the same. Now I don't believe it's so. Need understanding. Now part two. Being that I'm not a farmer and have fruit trees. Could I bring my payroll check to represent my firstfruit. This is my income. Need understanding

can one do a shabbos bris when the baby came via an induced or partially induced labour?

I emailed yesterday about my father's Yahrtzeit. Thank you for the explanation. I will follow the guidelines as best as possible. I am unclear on what the actual date is of the Yahrtzeit. Is it Hebrew or English date and is just 1 year exactly to the day. Would you please indicate the actual day. He was buried on April 19, 2005 (I don't know the Hebrew date). Which Mishnayos should I learn on the day? How long of a fast (24 hour or early morning onward)? Should I make a siyum? I am a baal teshuva and I learn best in English, and the shuls I attend are pretty frum so I would feel uncomfortable making a siyum in English, and I don't know what I can finish by then. Thank you again. Jay

Why are there not more Kabbalistic sects in modern times?