Question: What do we do if we are unsure whether or not we have counted the Omer? RAMI: The counting of the Omer is a daily מצוה (mitzvah – commandment) that requires both awareness and continuity. Each night we count, linking one day to the next, building a complete chain from the second night of Pesach through to Shavuot. Because of this, uncertainty requires careful handling. If a person is unsure whether they counted on a given night, the principle is to continue counting

Question: Explain to me how G-D's Presence is everywhere and within everything. RAMI: When we speak about G-D’s Presence filling all of existence, we are referring to the idea that there is no place, no object, and no moment that exists independently of Him. This Presence is called שכינה (Shechinah, Divine Presence). The word שכינה comes from the root שכן, meaning “to dwell” or “to reside,” indicating that G-D is not distant, but present, settled, and active within creation i

Question: Why Do We Lean at Certain Times During the Pesach Seder? RAMI: The practice of leaning during the Pesach Seder symbolises freedom and dignity. In ancient times, free people would recline while eating, whereas slaves were required to stand or eat quickly while working. By leaning, we physically demonstrate that we are no longer slaves in מצרים (Mitzrayim – Egypt), but free people redeemed by G-D. The act of leaning is called הסבה (hasebah – reclining). During the Sed

Question: On which day, this year, to we begin counting The Omer? RAMI: The counting of the Omer begins on the night of טז ניסן (Tet-Zayin Nissan — the 16th of Nissan). In 2026, the first count of the Omer will be made on the evening of Thursday, 2 April 2026, after nightfall. That evening begins טז ניסן, and we recite the blessing and count Day One of the Omer. Explanation: The Torah commands that the counting begin “from the morrow of the festival”, meaning the day after th

Question: How many כזית (kezayit — olive’s bulk) portions of מצה (matzah — unleavened bread) must be eaten during the סדר (Seder — Pesach ritual meal)? RAMI: During the סדר של פסח (Seder of Pesach), one must eat at least four כזיתים of מצה (matzah). These are eaten at four different stages of the Seder: HaMotzi Matzah — המוציא מצה: Two כזיתים are eaten together, one from the upper whole מצה and one from the broken middle מצה. Korech — כורך: One כזית of מצה is eaten together w

In most RAM Q&A responses, the question is shortened or summarised before the answer is given. In this case, however, the letter I received carries an emotional weight and a narrative that would be lost if reduced to a few sentences. For that reason, I am including the full text of the letter, with only minor corrections to grammar, spelling, and flow so that the meaning remains exactly as intended. The Questioner writes: Question: “Nearly ten years ago, a chance meeting deve

Question: Is it permissible according to Halakhah to publicly celebrate the killing of an enemy leader? RAMI: No. According to Torah and Halakhah, publicly celebrating the death of any human being — even an enemy — is a serious moral failing. The Torah teaches: בנפל אויבך אל תשמח (binfol oyivecha al tismach – when your enemy falls, do not rejoice). This is not poetic advice; it is a directive shaping Jewish character. The Torah does not command emotional cruelty. Even when ju

Question: Why do we send gifts of food to other people on Purim? RAMI: The practice of giving food on Purim comes directly from מגילת אסתר (Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther). After the Jewish people were saved from destruction, the day was established as one of joy, feasting, and sending portions one to another. The mitzvah is called משלוח מנות (Mishloach Manot, sending of portions). At its simplest level, it ensures that every Jew has enough food to participate in the P

Question: If a mitzvah depends on a specific, commanded component and cannot be fulfilled through imitation — and if intention does not override objective halachic reality — how should we view the modern practice of some non-Jews affixing a mezuzah to their homes as a gesture of support for the Jewish people? RAMI: The principle drawn from מנחות לח א–ב applies directly, and with clarity. A mezuzah is not a decorative emblem nor a political statement. It is a covenantal sign r