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1. What can you tell me about Israel's national anthem?

Hatikvah (meaning "the hope") was composed by Naphtali Herz Imber and published in 1886. It was first adopted as the Zionist anthem at the end of the 19th century. Expressing the Jewish unbound hope for liberation, the origin of the melody has been traced to a Sephardic hymn as well as a tune in Smetana's symphonic poem Die Moldau. Smetana uses a folk theme practically identical with the first half of Hatikvah.

2. What is Yom Kippur Katan? I've seen it listed on my Jewish calendar numerous times.

The day preceding Rosh Chodesh (new Jewish month) is known as a minor Yom Kippur (Yom Kippur Katan in Hebrew). It is observed as a fast day by kabbalistically minded Jews, who recite special prayers of forgiveness during the afternoon Mincha service of that day. The custom of fasting on Yom Kippur Katan was possibly introduced by Rabbi Isaac Luria in the 16th century, who became renowned for his saintly character and ascetic life.

3. Where do people go when they die?

There is a Jewish view of a future world, called "olam ha-ba" which is frequently found in talmudic midrashic literature. This world to come is where the souls of people go when they pass away. The olam ha-bah in the Talmud (Berachot 17a) is described as follows: "In the future world there is no eating, drinking, propagation, business, jealousy, hatred, or competition, but the righteous sit, with their crowns on their heads, enjoying the brilliance of the Shechinah."

4. What is the purpose of singing table songs during Sabbath meals and at the close of the Sabbath?

Called "zemirot," these songs sum up the very essence of holy joyousness that has been the keynote of Judaism. Composed at a very early date, the songs became particularly popular during the 16th century through kabbalistic influence. The custom of singing these songs is said to be 2,000 years old. Philo, describing the life of the Essenes, mentions their custom to sing table hymns in appreciation of God's continuous vigilance and goodness. There is a talmudic statement to the effect that when Jewish people eat and drink, they begin with words of Torah and hymns of praise. When idolaters drink, they begin with frivolity and obscenity (Talmud, Megillah 12b).

Rabbi Ron Isaacs is the spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, a Conservative congregation in Bridgewater. His forthcoming new book is "Siddur Or Shalom," a Shabbat morning prayerbook. Contact him at www.rabbiron.com or "Ask the Rabbi," c/o Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 6007, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.