By
– December 9, 2011
During the past two decades, discussions of halacha have populated the Internet. Numerous “Ask a Rabbi” columns have been founded on the Internet, or have moved there from print media. The Eretz Hemdah Institute, a Kollel and institution built to support Orthodox Zionism, has such a service for both rabbis and lay people from throughout the world. This book brings together many of the questions and answers that have been processed through the Institute and its website. The questions and answers cover many aspects of Jewish life, including ritual observance, issues that confront the Orthodox Jew specifically in Israel, tzedaka, family life, and business ethics. The answers given are short and tothe- point, but include footnotes for those wishing to study the issues further (a CD which includes the primary sources on which decisions are based is forthcoming). The scholars whose responses are given demonstrate sensitivity to contemporary society and a desire to be understanding of the needs of modern, halachically-committed Jews. This book is a valuable resource and could also be used as a resource by teachers of halacha and rabbinics. Glossary, index, notes.
Rabbi Arnold D. Samlan is a Jewish educator and rabbi living in Miami, Florida. He serves as executive director of the Orloff Central Agency for Jewish Education of Broward County.