Question
Hi Rabbi, we are expecting our first child, a boy. How do we decide who should be Sandek (the person who holds the baby at the circumcision)? Each of our fathers wants the honor but it’s stressing my wife out (and me too!). Any advice you have for us about choosing while avoiding family politics and drama would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

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.
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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?
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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.
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