Question: Why does it matter if I use “foreign” words? RAMI: It matters far more than most people realise, because language is not neutral—it is a vessel of identity, memory, and covenant. When a Jew replaces words like תהלים (Tehillim – Psalms), שמות (Shemot – Names), or דברים (Devarim – Words) with foreign substitutes, he is not merely translating—he is displacing meaning. The Torah was not given in translation. It was given in לשון הקודש (Lashon HaKodesh – the Holy Tongue)

Question: May one answer Amen to a blessing recited by one who desecrates Shabbat? RAMI: When a blessing is recited by one who publicly desecrates שבת (Shabbat – the Sabbath) and stands outside the framework of תורה (Torah – Divine instruction), the blessing itself is not regarded as possessing the sanctity required to obligate a response of Amen. Hagaon Harav Moshe Feinstein זצ״ל, in Iggerot Moshe (Orach Chaim 2:50), addresses this directly in the context of those who have r

Question: What is the Halakhah regarding receiving a blood transfusion? RAMI: The Halakhah is clear that the prohibition on consuming blood applies specifically to eating or drinking blood in the normal manner of consumption, as outlined in ויקרא (Vayikra – Leviticus). A blood transfusion, however, is not an act of eating; it is a medical procedure in which blood is introduced into the body through the veins. Therefore, it does not fall under the Torah prohibition of consumin

Question: What is the Meaning Behind Schlissel Challah? RAMI: The custom of baking a key-shaped challah, known as Schlissel Challah (from the Yiddish “key”), is observed on the first Shabbat following פסח (Pesach). This timing is not incidental—it carries a profound spiritual message connected to the transition we undergo after leaving Egypt. During פסח, we are lifted above nature through open miracles. Our sustenance is symbolised by מצה (matzah), the bread of faith—אמונה (e

Question: What do we do if we are unsure whether or not we have counted the Omer? RAMI: The counting of the Omer is a daily מצוה (mitzvah – commandment) that requires both awareness and continuity. Each night we count, linking one day to the next, building a complete chain from the second night of Pesach through to Shavuot. Because of this, uncertainty requires careful handling. If a person is unsure whether they counted on a given night, the principle is to continue counting

Question: Explain to me how G-D's Presence is everywhere and within everything. RAMI: When we speak about G-D’s Presence filling all of existence, we are referring to the idea that there is no place, no object, and no moment that exists independently of Him. This Presence is called שכינה (Shechinah, Divine Presence). The word שכינה comes from the root שכן, meaning “to dwell” or “to reside,” indicating that G-D is not distant, but present, settled, and active within creation i

Question: Why Do We Lean at Certain Times During the Pesach Seder? RAMI: 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 slaves in מצרים (Mitzrayim – Egypt), but free people redeemed by G-D. The act of leaning is called הסבה (hasebah – reclining). During the Sed

Question: On which day, this year, to we begin counting The Omer? RAMI: 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 count Day One of the Omer. Explanation: The Torah commands that the counting begin “from the morrow of the festival”, meaning the day after th

Question: How many כזית (kezayit — olive’s bulk) portions of מצה (matzah — unleavened bread) must be eaten during the סדר (Seder — Pesach ritual meal)? RAMI: 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 כזיתים are eaten together, one from the upper whole מצה and one from the broken middle מצה. Korech — כורך: One כזית of מצה is eaten together w