http://www.jewishanswers.org The Ultimate Ask-the-Rabbi Service Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:53:50 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Question: I am a 15 year old boy learning in a Yeshiva. I have learned that these days leading up to Rosh Hashana are days of special closeness to G-d and that working to refine our behavior at this time is most appropriate. I would like to work on my ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3701/working-on-loving-others/ Question: Who is the last person in the Old Testament God spoke to? Answer: The last prophets seem to have been Chaggai, Zechariah and Malachi, who lived at the beginning of the second temple. After that prophecy ceased, and from then on one could have divine inspiration, but not prophecy. Rabbi Meir ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3703/the-last-prophets/ Question: What does the word "Shlita" mean and when is it used - for someone alive or for one who has died? Answer: It is used only when someone is alive and will often follow a person's name, usually a prominent Rabbi's name, when they addressed formally. The word is an ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3329/the-word-shlita/ Question: Does G-d personally control all storms of water or does he allow his angels to direct and control these things? Answer: One might view the laws of nature that God put into existence as "angels" or His "agents", but they are not just that. In fact, there are two ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3141/he-controls-the-waters/ Question: What does the "faithful" mean in the phrase said before the Shema prayer - "El melekh ne'eman" - "Mighty, King, Faithful" ? The word "faithful" is also at the end of the first prayer Jews say when they rise - the Modeh Ani prayer: "rabah emunatecha" - "Great is ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3409/god-the-faithful-king/ Question: Why are ancient Jewish Kings permitted to marry up to 18 wives and not more? Answer: Thank you for your excellent question! In the Torah (Deuteronomy 17:17), it says, "And he shall not take many wives for himself, in order that his heart will not turn away". If a King ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3286/jewish-kings/ Question: My husband and I, who are not Jewish, have been in deep discussion about religion lately and have decided to explore Judaism, mainly because it makes no sense to follow any other religion. Other religions were made up by man to fit their lifestyle. We are wondering where ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3492/exploring-religion-and-now-judaism/ Question: Is it proper for a Torah to be displayed in a cabinet in a business? We are curious about the rules for housing and displaying a Torah. Answer: Thanks for the question. A Torah is a holy living document, and should be treated with proper respect. It should be stored ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3438/torah-location/ Question: I have some Jewish acquaintances who refer to me as "Goy" because I am a non-Jew. As I understand, "Goy" has an edge of insult to it. Am I correct in this understanding? Is Gentile the "polite" term for a non-Jew? Answer: The word, "Goy," means a nation. Israel is ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3353/goy-non-jew-or-gentile/ Question: I am an Jewish American soldier. I live in the barracks and want to start keeping kosher. I share a common kitchenette with a roommate including a stainless steal sink, microwave, refrigerator, toaster oven, and a single burner. Is there a way we can both eat what we want ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3138/keeping-kosher-in-the-army/ Question: Hello, I was wondering what happened to the study of Tanach. I have read the entire Tanach and am reading it a 2nd time but I've noticed many Rabbis havent even read the whole thing. Why is that? It's an essential book to Judaism, reading it teaches Jews of ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3685/why-dont-people-study-tanach/ Question: What is the reason Jewish men cover their head. Should Jewish men not shave their face? Answer: Jewish men cover their head as a way of reminding them to be aware of G-d watching them always. Women, who are naturally more spiritual, don't need this constant reminder. While it is considered ... http://www.jewishanswers.org/ask-the-rabbi-3328/kippa-shaving-your-face/