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 to give a Torah scholar money in order to acquire a share in the Torah learning he has already completed? RAM: No. One cannot retroactively acquire a share in Torah learning that has already taken place, nor in the reward generated by that learning. Torah is not transferable, saleable, or assignable after the f

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: While reviewing my nightly prayers before Tikkun Chatzot, I began reflecting more carefully on what I am saying and why. After reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish for individuals who have passed away within the last eleven months, naming each person and saying one Kaddish, I have the custom of speaking directly to G-D. In that moment,

RAM Q&A  is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Question: Is there a halakhic ruling for someone who is uncertain whether he mistakenly put on tefillin on Shabbat morning? If a person cannot recall whether he wore tefillin during Shabbat prayers, despite having a regular practice of consciously reminding himself not to do so, how does Halakhah address such doubt? Did our sages establish