“Ron” has great credentials — he has excellent degrees, and has worked for top-notch employers. Two years ago, however, despite his excellent performance and through no fault of his own, Ron’s employer terminated him. Since then, Ron has taken on several short-term gigs; they keep his income flowing and keep him active.

Have a question for Rivkie? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear Rivkie,

 We just celebrated Shavuos, which has the best things: learning, cheesecake, and lots of time with family and friends. Now, I feel a little bit of a letdown. I mean, the next big thing on the Jewish calendar (Tisha B’Av) is, frankly, a bit of a bummer — what with the fasting and recalling unpleasant events in our history. And this is not even happening soon! How do I remain on a path of Jewish connection during the doldrums of summer?

Have a question for Rivkie? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dear Rivkie,

 It’s wedding season, and once again I am worried I’m going to gift myself into the poor house. What is the etiquette for determining how much to spend on a wedding present? Does it make a difference if it’s a coworker versus an outside-of-work friend versus a family member? What about if you’re standing up in the wedding?

Have a question for Rivkie? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dear Rivkie,

 I am going to a Pesach hotel for the first time ever! I am very excited, but am not sure about a couple of things:

Have a question about a relationship that you or someone you know is in? 

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and your question may be answered in a future article.

My sister and her fiancé have been fighting more lately, and the things she’s telling me are sounding scarier and meaner. He’s never hit her, but he punched a wall last week, and I’m worried that eventually he will hit her. When I told her he sounds abusive, she got defensive and said he’s only mean if he’s had too much to drink, usually after a bad day at work.

My boyfriend and I have been together for five months. I came to Washington, D.C., for college and was having a hard time making friends with similar interests. I finally met “Ben” before winter break, and ever since then we’ve been inseparable. We hang out all the time and talk and text all day. He says he likes me to be the last person he talks to before bed and the first person he talks to in the morning. He also likes us to experience things together, so when things are going on, like the Cher

Have a question for Rivkie? 

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Dear Rivkie,

When Jacob’s mother passed away, he called the local funeral home to make the necessary arrangements. “What cemetery did your mother plan to be buried in?” they asked. Jacob, full of intense emotions, drew a total blank at this practical question.

I’d resisted it for months. I’d turned my nose up in disdain upon hearing the title. Why would I want any insight into the embodiment of “white trash” stereotypes?

Have a question for Rivkie? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Dear Rivkie,

 As soon as we are finished putting away our Purim costumes, I feel like I have to begin preparing for Pesach! Somehow, it seems to sneak up on me every year. How do I make preparations less harried in the four weeks between Purim and Pesach?