Jewish Learning for Every Journey
Jewish Learning for Every Journey
Welcome to Ask Rabbi Phil — a space for curiosity, learning, and open conversation about Judaism. Whether you’re a modern Jew seeking to deepen your understanding or someone from another background interested in Jewish beliefs, history, or culture, you are invited to ask any question, big or small. No prior knowledge or specific affiliation is required—just a willingness to explore and engage. Our goal is to offer thoughtful, inclusive answers that reflect the diversity and richness of Jewish tradition and life. Ask away—your journey of discovery starts here!
Some questions and answers will be posted on my website. All questions will be answered to the best of my ability, and you will get a response within 48 hours.
Modern readers often do a double take when they encounter the censuses in the book of Numbers. In Numbers 1 and Numbers 26, the text records around 600,000 males
The custom to eat dairy on Shavuot is widely observed, but it is rooted in serious halakhic and symbolic ideas, not just in our love of cheesecake. The classic halakhic
Almost all electric and induction stovetops today are made from glass. How can I kasher this for Passover? Glass can be kashered easily by washing it with soap and water
Question I was always taught that Mourners Kaddish should only be recited for immediate family. In the last several years I’ve seen all people stand and recite Kaddish. When
Question: For decades, I have put a lot of thought, energy, and financial commitment into environmental sustainability. Cemeteries, with their pristine, well-watered, always raked lawns, rub me the wrong way.
The dreidel’s story is a great example of how Jews take something from the surrounding culture and spin it into something deeply Jewish. Historically, the dreidel began as a