Rabbi Julian Sinclair

Praying in English

The sages were sympathetic to those who did not understand Hebrew.

Naming the Hebrew months

The names of the Hebrew months that we use now were not known until after the Babylonian exile.

Calling up the children to the torah on simchat torah

Simchat Torah is the only time of the year when children are called up to the Torah, for the Kol Hane'arim aliyah.

Repetition of the amidah

Praying according to your nusach

Finding a place for prayer

"Whoever designates a permanent place for his prayer, the God of Abraham assists him."

Learning for its own sake

The promise of moral and intellectual perfection to anyone who studies Torah for its own sake.

Writing a mezuzah

The rolled-up scroll of parchment on which are written the first two paragraphs of the Shema

Shaving off your beard

Criticising someone

Criticising others is easy and, for many enjoyable

Judges must not be afraid to administer justice

Yahrzeit candles

Lighting a candle for the departed on the Hebrew anniversary of their deaths is a widespread practice.