Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Rabbi Asher Lopatin is the spiritual leader of Kehillat Etz Chaim in Detroit, Michigan. He is also the founder and director of the Detroit Center for Civil Discourse, which works to nurture deep relationships between people with diverse views through dialogue. He was previously the president of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, a Modern Orthodox rabbinical school in New York City. Rabbi Lopatin received rabbinical ordination from Yeshiva University and Yeshivas Brisk in Chicago.
Articles by Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Ask the Expert: Does Jewish Law Permit Embalming and Open-Casket Funerals?
Jewish tradition requires that we treat dead bodies with the utmost respect and strictly prohibits any action that would desecrate them.
Ask the Expert: Are Tomatoes from the Vine, Ground or Tree for Jewish Blessings?
As far as food blessings are concerned, what matters is how the food grows — not its botanical classification.
Ask the Expert: How Do I Celebrate the In-Between Days of Passover?
How to mark the middle days of the eight-day festival.
Ask the Expert: Will We Still Need Rabbis if the Temple Is Rebuilt?
The Third Temple would raise many questions about Jewish practice.
Ask the Expert: Can I Make Kiddush on a Jell-O Shot?
If a Jell-O shot is made from kosher wine, can it be used for Kiddush on Shabbat?
Ask the Expert: What If It’s Not Safe To Display My Menorah?
There have been antisemitic incidents in my area and I’m worried about being visibly Jewish.
Ask the Expert: Can a Non-Jew Hang a Mezuzah on their Doorpost?
We want to show solidarity with the local Jewish community.
