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.
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Nuts on Rosh Hashana
What is the custom about not eating nuts on Rosh Hashana? Is it just Rosh Hashana? No Nuts until Yom Kippur because the Hebrew word for nut is “egoz”, which has the Gematria* of “chayt” – “sin”. This serves as…
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Repentance for Repeat Offenders
How do we understand the concept of Teshuva (repentance)? How can we stand before G-d and beg for forgiveness, and then one year later we stand again asking for forgiveness for the exact same things we asked the previous year?…
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Rosh Hashana Gifts
Are gifts exchanged during this time? Not ritually, but it’s a nice time to send a food basket to someone who might not otherwise enjoy the holiday, especially a widow or impoverished person. Rabbi Seinfeld Thank you for your response.…
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Nazarite Vows
I was interested in knowing why a person takes the vow of becoming a Nazarite. Does become a Nazarite not break the law of vowing? Why is this practice not followed today? Is a Nazarite not obligated to bless wine…
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Jew for Jesus
Could you please tell me, Who are the “Jews for Jesus” and can you tell me how to answer them when they try to solicit my attendents to there church. They are Christian missionaries who want to convert you to…
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“Hear” O Israel
Why is the ear the preferred method of God’s revelation to the Jewish people? The ear is the best channel for wisdom. The eye can lead astray. Hearing leads to understanding. Do you hear me?
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Who Tithes?
Are farmers and the herdsman mainly responsible for the tithe? How would a crastman or businessman tithe? Thank you Agricultural tithing only is required of Jewish agronomists in the Land of Israel. All others give 10% of their net income…
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The Best Time for Prayer
Do the Jewish people believe there is a season, particularly a month of great answers to prayer? I am interested if there is a certain month one can expect answers to big prayers. If so, is the month of AV…
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Evidence and Mohammad
What is the Jewish view of the authenticity of Islam? What does the Holy Torah says about this religion? We don’t have such documents, but we feel logically that believing in Mohammad is in the same category as believing in…