Dovid Zaklikowski

A Scandinavian expatriate who witnessed the destruction of Europe from the relative safety of Stockholm returns to the city of her youth in a new book exploring the country’s history during World War II and in its aftermath.

Scholars for generations have tried to decipher the seemingly simplistic words of Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, the 12th-century commentator known as Rashi whose glosses on the Five Books of Moses have become standard fare for any student of the Torah.

You shall not take revenge… — Leviticus 19:18 What is taking revenge? Taking revenge is when you ask someone, “Lend me your sickle,” and he says no. The next day he comes to you and asks you “Lend me your hatchet.” You respond, “I am not lending to you, j...

Every year on the holiday of Lag BaOmer, we go to the park, have bonfires and live music and many celebrations. I never understood this. Are we supposed to have celebrations on the anniversary of someone’s passing?

There seem to be several different kaddish prayers that are recited daily. Could you explain their differences?

I have this great new pair of binoculars, and it’s extremely tempting to have a good look into my neighbors’ houses...

Is there a specific reason why we lift the Torah up in the air in the synagogue after each reading?

Dear Rabbi, Why does Judaism cost so much money? If I want a mezuzah for my doorpost, it’s $25. Candlesticks for Shabbat can cost hundreds of dollars. The list goes on and on. For a Buddhist, religion is cheap. For a Christian, religion is cheap. Yes, som...

Dear Rabbi, I learned that when searching for chametz on the night before Passover, a single candle should be used instead of a torch, because: 1) a candle produces a good light, and 2) since it is safer, one will search better. What about the modern “tor...

Sacred objects themselves, such as a Torah scroll or the parchment of the mezuzah on which Biblical verses are written, cannot just be thrown in the garbage; they need to go through a special burial process.