Question
Shalom, Given that we're close to the new festal year, a question came to mind. Historically, prior to Hillel's calendar, the state of the barley crop was used to determine whether the year was to be intercalated (San. 12a-13b). In Menachoth/Bikkurim we are told that there were specific fields around Jerusalem that were set apart for the purpose of bringing the omer for the first fruits offering. As you know, climates in Israel differ based on location. The farmers' fields in the Jordan Valley or Negev would ripen earlier than those around Jerusalem. So...the question is...if no one else could harvest their fields at all until the omer was reaped for the offering, couldn't farmers in the southern regions potentially lose some or much of their crop since it would be sitting on the stalks unharvested, able to succumb to rot, animals, etc.? How did those farmers deal with that? Were they allowed to harvest their crop but just not partake? Thank you! Shalom

Question
I heard there’s a Jewish holiday called "Tu B'Shevat”, also known as “The New Year for the Trees." When is it this year, and would you please explain the message of this holiday for us today? Thank you.

Question
Dear Rabbi, what would you say is the main message of the holiday of Chanukah for us today? Thanks and happy Chanukah!

Question
Is it customary to give presents on Chanukah?  

Question
Is it okay to light a mixed colored set of small red, green, blue, and yellow Chanukah candles? Does it matter as to the order that they are placed in the candle holder and the order in which they're lit? And what's the name of the holder, "menorah" or "chanukiah"? Thanks and happy Chanukah!