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Hi, I was wondering if I do a mitzvah without fully believing in God, does it mean anything? Or is it meaningless, or maybe even hypocrisy? I am considering beginning to say the “Grace after Meals” blessings in Hebrew or English, but I’m not sure if it’s worthwhile since I don’t observe and believe everything at the moment. Thanks

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In what situation can you do a mitzva and then something happens and you have to do the mitzva again in a few weeks and the first one doesn't even count?

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I accidentally ate chametz ( a regular cookie) on Passover . Can I still observe Pesach?

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I’m curious about what a certain phrase means. What does “patar mitzvos” mean? You see, I am Jewish, not so knowledgeable about religion, but I work with an Orthodox woman who just got married Sunday. I was invited to the wedding. It was not the first Orthodox wedding I have been to, but it was the first with separate seating for men and women at the reception. But there was one man sitting in the women’s section who actually had a place-card there. And he was at my table, together with his mother. He was in his early 20s and his mother told me he was autistic, but he didn’t appear visibly handicapped. He actually seemed very smart and gregarious and he liked me a lot. In fact I liked him so much, if I were closer to his age, I’d be interested in marrying him. But I’m 52 and divorced with a grown son and I obviously couldn’t marry him. The wedding was a very worthwhile experience. His mother was a very nice lady, around my age, and I feel I found a new friend in her. Unlike most guests there, who were dressed formally, she was wearing a plaid top and jean skirt. This made me feel comfortable around her, as I wasn’t so well dressed up myself in a turtleneck and khaki skirt. And she just seemed so relaxed and not overbearing. I exchanged contact info with her, and we plan to get together more in the future when we have more time. She, like me, is a divorcee, close to my age. I asked her out of curiosity why her son was sitting in the women’s section. She said he was “patar mitzvos” and he wanted badly to be with his mother, and my co-worker’s parents honored this request. What does that term mean? And I am curious why that would allow him to sit with the women.

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I’ve seen the letters FFB and BT in questions, answers and articles – what do they stand for?

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If a person has a physical disability (such as a peptic ulcer, hyperacidity, diabetes) so that he cannot fast - then what he can do? Can his parents or brother fast for him?

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I heard that drinking wine is not good for one's health. Is it compulsory to drink wine during Kiddush? Can the blessings of Kiddush be recited only wine? Can a Jew recite Kiddush over water or honey instead of wine?

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Just saw the recent question from someone else about honoring parents. I’ve always wondered if ‘obey’ is a part of honor part of this commandment requires one to obey one’s parents very strictly under all circumstances (with the obvious exception of a parent’s command to violate Torah law). For example, is one strictly required to obey one’s parent asking for a favor or chore, even if s/he is too lazy? Is one required to obey one’s parents’ wishes to enter a certain profession, even if s/he does not wish? Is one required to obey a parent’s command to refrain from engaging in a certain activity that many people normally do that in itself does not violate Torah law? Is one required to obey one’s parents’ command not to associate with a specific person?

Question
Hi, I’m beginning to observe certain Jewish practices, but want to remain “normal” — if you know what I mean. Not too strict but still doing the right thing. Any guidance for me? Thanks!