Question
I’ve noticed that while Ashkenazim name their children after animals, Sephardim do not. I’ve also noticed that Sephardim will name their children after living people but Ashkenazim do not. Why is this?

Question
Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden and G-d declared henceforth women will have pain in childbirth. How can doctors then give anesthesia to women when they deliver?

Question
B'H OUR DAUGHTER HAD TWINS - A BOY AND A GIRL THE BRIT IS PLANNED AND THE BOY WILL BE NAMED THEN WHEN IS THE TIME TO NAME THE GIRL? AT THE BRIT?

Question
We just had a new baby girl. Must I name her at the first possible opportunity – the first Torah reading after the birth? Or may I wait a more extended time before naming her? Thanks.
,

Question
When is a pidyon haben to be performed? And is it true that if it wasn’t performed on time, it should be performed at the son’s Bar Mitzvah celebration?
,

Question
Dear Rabbi, a cousin of mine is pregnant. What’s the accepted way to congratulate her? The only thing that comes to mind is “mazel tov” but somehow that doesn’t sound right. Thanks.
,

Question
I recently heard that a court someplace in Germany forbade all circumcision (I believe the case involved a Moslem). I heard the ruling is being appealed and may be overturned, but it got me wondering why Judaism teaches to circumcise a newborn boy on the eighth day. Thanks.
,

Question
OS 251 To my continual joy and miraculous wonder, I am pregnant with our first child. Is there anything I should or can be doing during this exciting time to help prepare, spiritually, for the incredible job of parenthood & motherhood? Thank you for your consideration and for the weekly dose of humor and wisdom!
,