Question
Dear Rabbi, I recently took a college class to better understand my Jewish heritage. Now my question for you is this: Why is the “mitzvah system” of the 613 commandments considered so important? The concept of a “mitzvah system” seems to have a very special place in Judaism. Why, Rabbi? Thanks!
,

Question
Can you explain the significance of having a mezuzah on your house and its power to guard the household, as opposed to it being just a superstitious belief? Thank you!

Question
We are a Kohen family and my toddler seems to be a lefty. I've heard that a lefty Kohen cannot do the service when the Temple is rebuilt. Should we encourage him to write with his right hand for this reason? But every time we've tried to get him to use his right hand instead of his left, he says its not comfortable and won't color or write.
,

Question
Dear Rabbi, I understand the reason for married women covering their hair is modesty, yet today a lot of the sheitles (wigs) woman wear are nicer than their real hair. I think the wearing of make-up can be viewed in the same manner. It improves the person's appearance - doesn't this contradict the laws of modesty?

Question
My question is about tithing. I was taught that there were three tithes. One for the "work" (which would be for the "Levites"; one for our use at the Chag Feasts; and a third tithe every third and sixth year of a 7-year cycle which was used for the poor (widows and orphans). I have been doing a lot of studying into tithing lately and I see something different in the scriptures. Namely, it looks to me as if there is only one tithe. That tithe is for us to use for the Feasts. A heave offering (amount unspecified) of that tithe is given to the "Levites" (for the work) and they tithe on that tithe (tithe of the tithe). Then every third year, we use the tithe within our gates, i.e., do not travel to the Feast, and share it with the widows and orphans. This is a simple summary. I would appreciate your input as to how Jews handle tithing, that is, is my current assessment correct, or is there something that I am missing?

Question
Why are we commanded to make our ritual objects beautiful? I am a Jewish graphic designer and illustrator, and I specialize in making ketubot [marriage contract documents]. Thank you.