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.
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
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
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