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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Communal Offerings and Synagogue Dedications
In Numbers, ch.28, the laws of the Mussaf offerings [a form communal sacrifices] are discussed. How were the animals, flour, oil, and wine paid for? From Temple funds, or did people ‘bid’ on them, as many congregations do today for…
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A Modern Look at Animal Sacrifice
Why are there so many details about animal sacrifice in the Torah? How should a modern Jew view animal sacrifices? Answer: Animal sacrifices are indeed difficult to comprehend in the context of today’s society. In fact, it has come to…
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Gift Bags on Purim?
Is there a traditional “gift bag” that is given to friends on Purim, and what is in it? Answer: On Purim, Jews have a commandment to share gifts of food with each other, as a way of increasing kindness between…
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Monetary Commandments Related to Purim
Regarding two laws for the holiday of Purim: 1. Can you give me a precise definition for Matanot La’Evyonim and Machatzit Hashekel? 2. How does a woman accurately observe these commandments? Answer: Matanot Le’Evyonim– Giving the monetary equivalent of a…
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Date of Purim
Do we celebrate Purim on the date that victory was declared in the Jewish war against their Persian enemies? When did the war commence and what was the war’s duration? Answer: The war was fought on the 13th of the…
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Egyptian Magic
How were the Egyptian magicians able to duplicate the first two plagues? Answer: The classical commentaries had no problem with the Egyptian magicians being able to duplicate the first two plagues, because they accepted the existence of demons and magic…
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Plague of Darkness
I read Rabbi Kirshblums article (questions to ponder) where he writes about 2,400,000 jews dying during the plague of darkness. I cant find this in the bible. Please help me to understand why G-d would kill four fifths of his chosen people…
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Blind Faith vs. Trust
I would like to know the difference between blind faith and trusting in Gd to help us during a difficult season. Is this like just giving over our troubles knowing Gd will grant the prayer? Answer: In one sense, yes,…
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Chanukah Gelt
I know that the Dreidel game originated with children pretending to play with their spinning top, so the Greeks wouldn’t know that the adults inside were learning Torah. But, why do we give Chanukah Gelt (money)? What is the significance?…