Here are the most recent questions and answers: On 11/16/06 Kody Whitaker from Mobile asked: " Rabbi, I am a Christian but I have always loved to study Torah and trying to put things to practice such as refraining from unclean foods and observing Shabbat because I know that physical disipline invokes spiritual disipline. I also love the teachings of the Rebbe and insights by other Rabbinical documents such as the Talmud. I was wondering if a follower of Judaism would find this offensive. " Rabbi Epstein answered: "Hi Kody. This is not offensive. We welcome you as a "fellow wanderer." Rabbi Judy Epstein" On 11/15/06 john from tulsa asked: "hi, i had a question for you. what happens to shabbat during a war? does the torah address this issue? also what do farmers do? thanks john" Rabbi Epstein answered: "Hi John. Wars continue on Shabbat. Israel was attacked on Yom Kippur! Rabbi Judy Epstein" On 10/23/06 Ehud from San Diego asked: "Hello, My name is Ehud, and my question is this: My good friend asked me today about which version/publication of the Tanach/Torah he should get. You see, I have the ability to read Hebrew, but he does not, and so he is dependent on the English translation to fully understand what is being said. Since not all translations and printed versions are created equal, I was hoping that a recommendation could be made for the one publication that you believe has the best English translation of the original Hebrew text. With thanks, Ehud" Rabbi Epstein answered: "Hi Ehud. I favor a relatively new version of the Torah in Hebrew and English - "Etz Hayim". Rabbi Judy Epstein" On 10/31/06 candybar from Ontario asked: "Greetings Rabbi, and I would be so happy to hear a response from you. I am a middle age women, converted to Conservative Judaism 5 years ago. My conversion was a result of many years of study, starting at university and over a lifetime of experience. A spiritual journey indeed. 12 years ago I married a Jewish man in a civil ceremony. At our our age, there was no discussion of conversion at the time. My studies over time were initially very academic, and I had to write several papers on the Hebrew prophets. I loved it. I was enthralled with this course of study. I was in the middle of doing these papers when I started dating my husband. I was shocked and in awe at the breadth of his knowledge. Several years went by, and as the internet became available to took numerous courses on line, just about everything available, esp. at www.jewishstudies.org. One day my Jewish friend said, well it is one thing to study it, you know way more than I do, but why don't you practice it? And indeed, why not? She and I celebrated Hannukah that year, and it thrilled my heart. I started growing, and realizing that Judaism had grown in my heart, and taken root. I attended Shul every Shabbat for 3 years, and met with the Rabbi at least 4 times to discuss conversion. He refused over and over and over until I became so discouraged, and gave up. A couple of more years went by. Somebody suggested I talk to another Rabbi. I took copies of all my study papers, both university, and from www.jewishstudies.org, and he agreed to sponsor me for conversion. I then started the process of another year of study. And converted. Now.......the issue is. My spouse is so secular, so uncommitted, so couldn't care less about his Judaism. I find myself ashamed in Shul. People say, Where is your husband? He has never, ever attended Shul with me even once. He couldn't care less if I / we kept a Jewish home or not. He can't even be bothered to come to the table and light the candles with me on Shabbat, he just sits and watches TV while I light the candles. Of course, there is no way I can keep a kosher home under the circumstances. I attend a study group for women, once a week, and I am so ashamed when everybody goes off to celebrate their holidays, and we do NOTHING. I feel very lonely. His grown children are atheist, their mother was not Jewish. We celebrate neither the Christian holidays, nor the Jewish holidays. It's so frustrating for me. I feel so lonely, and yet spiritually I know I am in the right place for ME. My spouse is significantly older than me, in his mid 70's, he's not going to change suddenly. he says the only important thing to him is that he be buried in sacred ground. Is it my responsibility to keep a Jewish home under these difficult circumstances, the best way I know how? To continue to go to Shul, without my spouse? I sit with a few single people at Shul, and have sat beside this one man for so long people treat us like a couple. For this reason I also have withdrawn somewhat. I so enjoy my women's study group. I so enjoy my studies, learning Hebrew, attending lectures. But I'm so lonely doing all of this myself. candybar" Rabbi Epstein answered: "Hi Candybar. Continue to attend synagogue by yourself and to involve yourself in Jewish women's activities. In this day and age, many families take divergent paths. You are not as different as you think. Rabbi Judy Epstein" On 10/30/06 Mickey from Culver City asked: "Dear Rabbi, My brother has been dating a girl for over two years now and they are seriusly considering marriage. I personally don't really like the girl; She's not a fun person and just not very nice in general. I think my brother can do better. So far I haven't mentioned anything to him, but he greatly values my opinion. On one hand I feel like it is my obligation as a brother to let him know how I feel. But, I'm very skeptical about saying anything because I don't want to influence his decision if they can otherwise be happy together. What should I do?" Rabbi Epstein answered: "Hi Mickey. I'm sure your brother can gather from your non-verbal communication that you don't care much for this girl. Best not to offer any opinions that are not requested. Rabbi Judy Epstein" Next 5 Answers--->