Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld
91 answers
Rabbi Alexander Seinfeld graduated from Stanford University with degrees in Classics and Anthropology. Having exploring numerous traditions, he began his return toward a Jewish path after living for two years in rural Mississippi, “surrounded by folks who knew my people’s book better than I did!” He eventually journeyed to Israel, where he studied for seven years and was ordained. After three years in Northern California, he relocated with his wife and children to Baltimore in order to launch a national project of revitalizing Jewish education. Rabbi Seinfeld engages audiences from all Jewish backgrounds with his humor and depth of insight into spiritual and philosophical topics.
-
If G-d Always Helps, Why Should I?
I understand that while we want to be the ones doing good things for other people- G-d will take care of them regardless. If so, how can a person be motivated to do kindness for another person out of care/concern/wanting…
-
The Blessings from the Kohanim
We learn in the Torah portion of Naso about the 3 blessings that the Kohanim (the Jewish priestly class) gave to the Jewish people. Why is there no blessing for health and physical well being? It seems that the 1st blessing…
-
What makes music enjoyable?
What makes music enjoyable? Answer: Music is the language of the soul. Therefore, when we listen to music, we hear it at a very deep level. This means that music is a very powerful soul-tool, for good or for ill,…
-
How does a rationalist believe in miracles?
I have trouble believing in miracles. How can a rationalist believe that food fell from the sky and fed the Jewish people in the desert? That the red sea split? That frogs fell out of the sky? Thanks. Answer: That’s…
-
Innocent Midianite Children
In Numbers 31, Why did Moses order the death of the young male children if they could not have participated in any way in causing the Children of Israel to sin? What are the ethical and moral ramifications of Moses’s…
-
Euthanasia and Cultural Ethics
I am currently preparing a debate on Euthanasia and would like a point of view on this subject from your religious principles. I am arguing against euthanasia. I think I would be better to argue the point of social standards…
-
How to Love G-d
If one mostly fears G-d and is driven to do “rightâ€? by fear of divine punishment how does one transform this overwhelming fear to love? How does one transform oneself to a higher level? Perhaps it is my upbringing with…
-
Saying “Hello!”
Why do people take it so seriously when someone doesn’t say “Hello!” to them? Answer: Because “Hello!” is another way of saying, “I acknowledge that you exist and that you matter” Everyone wants to feel like they matter. To ignore…
-
Kosher Laws and Health
Since man has turned his back on God’s original diet for man, Genesis 1:29, the Garden of Eden Diet, man has subjected himself to many serious medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc. How can unhealthy foods…