Question
Dear Rabbi, I grew up with almost no background in Judaism but recent events in Israel have prompted me to learn more about my heritage. Any advice for me? Thank you

Question
I was curious rabbis why so many people accuse haredi and hasidic Jewish people of prioritizing Talmud Torah (Torah study) more than other things (such as having a non or serving in the IDF). Torah study is important, but presumably full time Torah study is not something most people except for a small group of scholars, rabbis, and poskim are meant for? What’s the hashkafa here?

Question
What counts as ‘learning Torah’ in order to fulfill the mitzvah? Does reading a book or website in English (or one’s native tongue) that talks about the Torah count as learning Torah? What about attending a shiur or lecture from a rabbi or a layperson knowledgeable about at least part of the Torah? How about just watching a YouTube video in which there is no two-way interaction in which someone reads verses or comments about the Torah? Can any of these methods fulfill the mitzvah of studying Torah? Or must one actually open a book of the Tanakh or Talmud and read the exact word written inside?

Question
I am a gentile Bible scholar. Scripture says that Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for "three days and three nights." My Christian pastor quoting Moody Bible Commentary told us that "Jewish people regarded even a part of a day as a day and a night." In theory, that would mean that Jonah could have been in the fish no more than 25 hours ... still a miracle but certainly of a different flavor. My question is, when Scripture says "3 days and 3 nights", does it mean "not less than" that amount of time?

Question
Dear Rabbi, I saw a magazine that mentioned a learning project called “Daf Yomi.” Would you please tell me about it and maybe I will check it out more for myself and friends. Thanks

Question
Hi Rabbi, I’m Jewish but never had any formal Jewish education. I want to start studying but also need to work, so I’m wondering if Torah study is meant for someone like me or only for fulltime scholars. Thanks!

Question
In I Kings, Chapter 3:10, the following sentence says: וַיִּיטַ֥ב הַדָּבָ֖ר בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנָ֑י כִּ֚י שָׁאַ֣ל שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה אֶת־הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה׃ My Chevruta and I wondered why G-d's name is Ad-nai and not YH-VH, as in most, if not all cases of B'einei Hashem. When I first translated it, I thought Shlomo was speaking "to my Lord," and then spoke of himself in the 3rd person in the 2nd part of the sentence, as if to say, "May the thing be good in the eyes, of my Lord, because Shlomo [me] asked for this thing." Similar to a child asking a parent, "Will you see my request as good, because Joey [your son] asked for this thing."  

Question
I know you are busy. Can you please confirm the scripture above describes 2 cherubim: Estimated Height according to cubits = approximately 16 1/2 feet according to cubits specified? Estimated width of both cherubs wings tip to wing tip = approximately 33 feet They were located in the inner room = Holy of Holies SCRIPTURE @ 1 Kings 6:23-27 indicates to me this is true but this is the first time I have seen this.