Baal Teshuvah, The

In case you're feeling overwhelmed, here's a hand to hold and a little guidance.

I am Jewish but was not really raised with any religious observance. Last year my sister went to Israel for a year abroad in college. The person who has returned is someone I don't even recognize. She calls herself a "baal tshuva"...If she is a religious ...

We have been happy together for the last two decades. Over the past few years I have taken an interest in a more traditional Jewish lifestyle. My husband, on the other hand, couldn’t be less interested...

Thanksgiving dinner has been a particularly sticky issue with my mother-in-law, who does not adhere to the kosher dietary laws...

Question: When I started all this, I felt so excited about being Jewish and following all the laws, but now it is such a struggle and kind of feels like this heavy burden. Like a bunch of can't do this and that, and have to do this and this. But I also do...

Question: I'm not Jewish, but my best friend while growing up was. Our bond was unusual for teenagers and young adults. We had a real love and respect for each other. In his mid 20's, he was drawn to Israel and eventually moved there. He became orthodox a...

How on earth can sins become merits? Sins are despicable deeds in the eyes of the One who made you. So, now you regret them. How can your regret today reach back and transform something written solidly in the record of the past?

Question: How do I keep my Jewish observance up when all in my house are against what I wish to do and be? Answer: This is a challenge that many have gone through and successfully handled. Hopefully in your case, too, it is only a passing stage, and with ...

Question: I'm a 34 year old Jewish woman who has just started keeping Shabbat. My non-observant but proudly Jewish mother constantly complains about that fact. Interestingly, I have never heard her complain about the fact that my brother converted to anot...

Question: I was raised Jewish, had a Bat Mitzvah, and over the years kind of got torn away from my faith. I am the single mother of several children and I have recently been diagnosed with a debilitating disease. I would like to explore my spirituality ag...