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Rabbi Carl Astor

Rabbi Carl Astor

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When Can a Jewish Wedding Happen?

There are times when a Jewish wedding can happen and times when weddings cannot, either according to laws or customs.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) June 26, 2024 Holidays Lifecycles

Marriage As Mitzvah

Jews see marriage as mitzvah based on biblical and rabbinic texts. Marriage is seen as important for spirituality and closeness with God.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) June 26, 2024 Learning Lifecycles

What is a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, B-Mitzvah?

The B-Mitzvah is a transitional moment when one becomes responsible to the mitzvot, Traditionally celebrated with an aliyah to the Torah.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) December 26, 2023 B-Mitzvah Children

Fasting While Ill

It is considered forbidden to fast on fast days if injurious to one’s health, for the sake of performing positive commandments.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 10, 2023 Fasting on Tisha B'av Health

Jewish Viewpoints on Serious Illness

We give thanks to God every day for the gift of life, but recognize that we are mortal and that illness and death will come.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 10, 2023 Health Illness

Jewish Customs Showing Care for People who are Ill

Visiting the sick is counted as one of the mitzvot that is rewarded both in this world and also in the World to Come.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 10, 2023 Health Illness

Mourning Practices for the Loss of a Parent

The period of mourning for one’s parents is a full twelve months, and serves a deeply therapeutic function for the mourner.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 8, 2023 Death and Dying Lifecycles

When Death is Imminent

Judaism does not recognize any gray area between life and death. Whenever possible, a dying person should not be left alone.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 8, 2023 Confronting Death Death and Dying

Yahrzeit: The Jewish Anniversary of Someone’s Death

Yahrzeit should be a day given over to remembering and honoring an individual for whom one once sat shivah and is learning to live without.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) May 8, 2023 Death and Dying Lifecycles

Tombstone Customs in Judaism

Tombstone customs in Judaism stem from the religious obligation to mark a grave. This is traditionally done with tombstones or stone markers.

Rabbi Carl Astor, The Observant Life (Book) February 28, 2023 Death and Dying Lifecycles