RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question:  Why Do We Lean at Certain Times During the Pesach Seder? RAM: The practice of leaning during the Pesach Seder symbolises freedom and dignity. In ancient times, free people would recline while eating, whereas slaves were required to stand or eat quickly while working. By leaning, we physically demonstrate that we are no longer sl

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: On which day, this year, to we begin counting The Omer? RAM: The counting of the Omer begins on the night of טז ניסן (Tet-Zayin Nissan — the 16th of Nissan). In 2026, the first count of the Omer will be made on the evening of Thursday, 2 April 2026, after nightfall. That evening begins טז ניסן, and we recite the blessing and coun

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: How many כזית  (kezayit — olive’s bulk) portions of מצה (matzah — unleavened bread) must be eaten during the סדר (Seder — Pesach ritual meal)? RAM: During the סדר של פסח (Seder of Pesach), one must eat at least four כזיתים  of מצה (matzah). These are eaten at four different stages of the Seder: HaMotzi Matzah — המוציא מצה : Two כ

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. In most RAM Q&A responses, the question is shortened or summarised before the answer is given. In this case, however, the letter I received carries an emotional weight and a narrative that would be lost if reduced to a few sentences. For that reason, I am including the full text of the letter, with only minor corrections to grammar, spellin

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: Is it permissible according to Halakhah to publicly celebrate the killing of an enemy leader? RAM: No. According to Torah and Halakhah, publicly celebrating the death of any human being — even an enemy — is a serious moral failing. The Torah teaches: בנפל אויבך אל תשמח (binfol oyivecha al tismach – when your enemy falls, do not r

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: Why do we send gifts of food to other people on Purim? RAM: The practice of giving food on Purim comes directly from מגילת אסתר (Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther). After the Jewish people were saved from destruction, the day was established as one of joy, feasting, and sending portions one to another. The mitzvah is called מ

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: If a mitzvah depends on a specific, commanded component and cannot be fulfilled through imitation — and if intention does not override objective halachic reality — how should we view the modern practice of some non-Jews affixing a mezuzah to their homes as a gesture of support for the Jewish people? RAM: The principle drawn from

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: Can I write the Ineffable Name in a published article? In other words, it is the saying of the Name that is the issue, correct? RAM: This is an important distinction. From a halachic perspective, the primary prohibition concerns pronouncing the Four-Letter Name ככתבו (as written). The Name is not to be articulated in its true f

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: The Gemara (Megillah 28b) Forbids Looking at the Face of a Wicked Person. How Should this Prohibition be Understood and Applied? RAM: The Gemara in Megillah 28b does not prohibit the mere awareness  of evil, but rather the intentional engagement  with it. The prohibition is not about accidentally seeing a wicked person, but about