Question
Hi Rabbi, I have an Israeli friend, and we had an argument over the Hamentashen. I said that the Hamentashen symbolize Haman’s hat with the three corners. She said it symbolizes Haman’s ears. She believes this because she speaks Hebrew, and apparently the translation is “ears”. Please settle this Jewish scholarly debate. What does the Talmud say on this? Also, who would have the greater authority on Jewish theology, a Bronx NY Jew, an Israeli Jew, an Orthodox Jew, or a Chassidic Jew? Thank you for your support!

Question
Last week when I attended the Megillah reading, there was a woman in the synagogue who was knitting throughout the reading. No one bothered her about it. When I saw that, it made me regret not bringing my own knitting project to work on. I find the Megillah reading boring and I always struggle to stay awake as I sometimes doze off for part of it. If I were knitting during the reading, it would surely help keep me awake. Do you think it would be okay for me in the future to knit during the reading to prevent myself from falling asleep? If I doze, I would miss some of the words of the reading, but if I knit, I can keep myself awake and alert for every word.

Question
During the Pesach in ancient Israel, did the family remain in the home during the night of the Passover or were you allowed to go out and do things after the Passover meal?

Question
Hi Rabbi, Why do we drink four cups of wine at the Passover Seder? Thanks and happy Passover!

Question
Hi, Rabbi, Happy Passover! I see on the calendar that there a few days called the “Intermediate Days” of Passover. What are they all about? Thanks and happy Passover to you and the entire Gateways staff!

Question
The requirement to tell the Pesach story to our children at the Seder is derived from Exodus 13:8. But Exodus 13:8 does not literally direct us to tell the Pesach story to our children at the Seder. It is by an interpretation of Exodus 13:8 that we are directed to tell the Pesach story to our children at the Seder. My question: Who made this interpretation, when did they make this interpretation, what did they say, and where is this memorialized?  

Question
Hi Rabbi, what do you think is an inspiring lesson we can learn from the Purim story to improve our everyday lives? Thanks and Happy Purim!

Question
Dear Rabbi, Do you think there a single theme that unites all of the mitzvahs of Purim? Thank you for this wonderful service. Happy Purim!