Rabbi Avraham Mushell
6 answers
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Brief Summary of Jewish History
How did Judaism start? Answer: The following is a brief overview of the history of Judaism: ABRAHAM: FATHER OF MONOTHEISM: Abraham was born in 1812 BCE in the city of Ur in Ancient Mesopotamia. According to Jewish tradition, he spent…
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Basic Values and Morality, General Relationships, Marriage and Dating, Mitzvos (Commandments), Modesty & Sexuality, Women’s Issues
Casual Contact Between Men and Women
Is there a law that a Rabbi cannot touch a woman at any time, excluding his wife, of course? Answer: Thank you for your question. Before I answer your question though, I would first like to give a brief introduction…
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The Aleppo Codex
What is a “Codex?” I have read that it was of popular use after the scrolls, but I’m not sure exactly what it was. Can you please explain? Answer: The term “Codex” refers to books in their modern, bound form…
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Smoking Marijuana
Does smoking weed [i.e. marijuana] make me a sinner? One of the commandments in the Torah is that we have a responsibility to keep our body healthy, and maintain our ability to do the right things. Since “weed” damages various…
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Two Creation Narratives
Does Genesis Chapters 1 & 2 tell the story of two creations (i.e. one spiritual and one physical)? If not, please explain the following: A. Genesis 1:3 in contrast to Genesis 1:16; B. Genesis 1:25-27 in contrast to Genesis 2:18-19;…
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Chanuka Candles, Shofar, and Sabbath Prohibitions
The Rabbis decreed that we should not fulfill the commandments of shofar, lulav, and megillas Esther in order that we not come to desecrate the Sabbath (i.e. by carrying these religious articles through a public thoroughfare in violation of Sabbath…