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.
What a complex question! On the surface, Halloween might seem like a simple secular holiday in America, similar to Thanksgiving. However, when we examine Halloween’s origins, we find that it
Question: I have a Kohen question. My married name is Cohen. I don’t think one can be a Kohen by way of marriage. However, my mother’s maiden name was Cohen.
Parshat Devarim Parshat Devarim opens the final book of the Torah with Moshe recounting the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. Notably, Moshe doesn’t merely retell the story—he interprets it,
Question: Are there ways to imbue tradition at an unveiling in the absence of clergy and a minyan? Answer: An unveiling is a ceremony held at the cemetery to
Question: Do you have to reserve the first Aliyah for a Kohen and the second for a Levi, or can anyone be called for any Aliyah? Answer: This is
Question: For those of you who say Shema every night before bed, when do you say it? Right when you get into bed and put your head down? Or later