Rabbi Azriel Schreiber
855 answers
Whenever possible, JewishAnswers.org tries to include the name of the author on every post. However, at certain times, we make significant changes to the answers posted. In that case, we will often sign the post with our generic “pen name” – Rabbi Azriel Schreiber. This “pen name” may also be used when a writer declines to have his name published.
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The Angels and the Nations
What is the relationship between the angels and the nations of the world? There are 70 angels representing the 70 nations (the number of descendants of Noah listed in Gen.Ch.10). The angel of Esau, with whom Jacob wrestled (Gen.32:25-30), is…
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The Angel Rephael
What are the sources about the angel Rephael? The angel Rephael is not mentioned by name in the Bible, but he is mentioned in the Talmud (Yoma 37a and Bava Metzia 86b.) as one of the three angels who visited…
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Confession
What is the Jewish viewpoint on confessing one’s sins? Confession in the Torah is associated with bringing a sacrifice to atone for a sin, but it does not depend on a sacrifice; it applies in all places and at all…
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Gehinnom
What is Gehinnom? Gehinnom is the name given to Hell in the Rabbinic literature. The name was borrowed from that of a real valley (see Joshua 15:2,8 and 18:16; 2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chron.28:3 and 33:6; Jeremiah 7:31-32 and 19:2,6;…
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Infant Damnation
Do the Jews believe in infant damnation? The Jewish view is that children are without sin, so they go to heaven when they die. The Christian belief in infant damnation isn’t of Jewish origin.
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Baruch Ha-Shem
Who were the first people to say “Baruch Ha-Shem”? Noach, Eliezer, and Yisro said it; see Gen.9:26, Gen.24:27. and Ex.18:10, respectively. Lavan and Avimelech used the very similar phrase “B’ruch Ha-Shem”; see Gen.24:31 and 26:29.
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Isaiah 7:14
What is the meaning of Isaiah 7:14? The Hebrew word “almah” means “young woman” or “girl”, not “virgin”. Rashi, the premier Jewish commentator, says that Isaiah 7:14 refers to the same event as Isaiah 8:3, where Isaiah has relations with…
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The Olive Branches in Zechariah
What is the significance of the two olive branches in Zechariah4:11-14? The branches represent the two Jewish leaders — the king and the high priest — who were anointed with olive oil. The king (a descendant of David) and the…
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The “Person” in Proverbs Ch. 8
Who is the person speaking in Proverbs Ch. 8? The “person” speaking in that chapter is Wisdom. Since wisdom is a characteristic of G-d, it existed before the world was created, and it “assisted” at the creation; but it’s an…