Ask the Rabbi

The place to ask your questions about Judaism. Learn from Rabbis throughout the city and from all denominations. Come back often to see what questions are asked, and perhaps more interesting, how they get answered. Click here to submit your question to Ask the Rabbi.

Current Question: Why do we pray?

Rabbi Julie Schwartz, Temple Emanu-El: A Reform Perspective

The least satisfying answer that any parent or authority figure can provide to a child’s question is, of course, “because.” Read more.

Rabbi Eliyahu Schusterman, Chabad in Town: An Orthodox Perspective

Is prayer a time of quiet meditation? A way to get some wish fulfilled by G-d? Do we pray because it works? Or perhaps it’s just a way to get Jews to Shul to strengthen the membership? Read more.

Rabbi Mario Karpuj, Or-Hadash: A Conservative Perspective

From a historical point of view, we pray three times a day as a replacement of the sacrifices our ancestors use to offer in the Temple in Jerusalem. Read more.

Previous Questions & Answers

What Happens After We Die?