Blog

# Conversion to Judaism and Observing Mitzvot: Boundaries, Patience, and Spiritual Integrity ## **Can a non-Jew observe Shabbat before converting to Judaism?** This question comes up frequently among people exploring **conversion to Judaism**, especially those who feel deeply drawn to Shabbat and Jewish life. In this discussion, Rabbi Chaim explains that intentionally keeping **Shabbat** (Shabbos) […]

# Torah Study on Forbidden Relationships: Leviticus 18 and the Challenge of Jewish Values in Modern Society **What is the focus of Leviticus chapter 18 in Torah study?** This session centered on The Book of Leviticus (Vayikra) chapter 18, which addresses forbidden relationships and moral boundaries. Chaim explained that the Torah presents laws that are

# Faith, Struggle, and Divine Providence: Insights from Pirkei Avot 2:16 on Jewish Life and Spiritual Growth **What does Pirkei Avot 2:16 teach about losing hope and the yetzer hara (evil inclination)?** The discussion opened with Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) Chapter 2, Mishnah 16, focusing on the yetzer hara, the inner force that

# Jewish Mourning Customs and Spiritual Questions: Understanding Memorial Candles, the Soul, and Jewish Education **What is the meaning behind lighting a memorial candle in Jewish tradition?** Lighting a memorial candle on a yahrzeit (the anniversary of a person’s passing) is described here as a way of honoring the deceased and expressing ongoing connection. Chaim

Jewish Burial, Torah Study, and Circumcision: Exploring Core Values in Jewish Law and Spiritual Growth 1. Why does Jewish law emphasize burying the dead quickly, especially in Jerusalem? Jewish tradition places deep importance on kevod hamet (honoring the deceased), which includes burying the body as soon as possible. In the discussion, Chaim explained that according

Navigating Torah Observance in the Modern World: Boundaries, Conversion, and Jewish Identity How do Torah study and mitzvot guide a Jew living in a modern, distracted world? The session on Vayikra (Leviticus) Chapter 18 explored exactly this tension. Chaim’s discussion focused on the challenge of remaining faithful to Jewish law while immersed in contemporary culture.

# Evil Inclination and Spiritual Growth: Lessons from Pirkei Avot on Resilience, Gratitude, and Wake-Up Calls **What does this teaching from Pirkei Avot reveal about the yetzer hara (evil inclination) and daily spiritual struggle?** The discussion opens with a focus on the yetzer hara, the inner force in Jewish thought that pulls a person toward

Kosher, Truth, and Responsibility: Navigating Jewish Law, Belief, and Personal Accountability Why is kosher supervision so important, especially in Jewish-owned or Jewish-named businesses? The discussion opened with a strong emphasis on kashrut (Jewish dietary law) and the real-world challenges of relying on appearances. A business may have a Jewish-sounding name or present itself as “kosher-style,”

# Jewish Law and Surrogacy: Fertility, Marriage, and Family Identity in Halacha **What does Jewish law say about surrogacy and who is considered the mother?** In this Q&A, Rabbi Chaim Coffman explains that according to Jewish law (halacha), the woman who gives birth is considered the legal mother, even if another woman provided the egg.

# Yetzer Hara, Spiritual Growth, and Preparation for Observant Jewish Life: Lessons from Pirkei Avot 2:16 **What does Pirkei Avot teach about the yetzer hara (evil inclination) and why is this so relevant to spiritual growth today?** The discussion on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers) Chapter 2, Mishnah 16 focused heavily on the yetzer