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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Not spelling out “G-d”
Why do we write “G-d” instead of spelling it out? We’re concerned that a document containing G-d’s Name might not be treated respectfully, so we don’t spell out the Name in full. Using an abbreviation isn’t disrespectful; it’s like using…
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The Oral Law
What is the subject matter of the Oral Law? Was it ever written down? Moses was given an Oral Law together with the Written Law. The Oral Law included many things that were necessary for effective understanding of the Written…
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Adam's Life Span
Adam was told (Gen. 2:17) that on the day he ate from the tree, he would die; but he lived for over 900 years afterwards. Why didn't he die on the same day? The problem raised by Gen.2:17 has been…
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Whose Prayers are Heard
Does G-d hear everyone's prayers? G-d hears the prayers of all righteous people, whether Jews or gentiles; see Isaiah 56:7, Psalms 65:3, and Proverbs 15:8,29. On the other hand, He doesn't listen to the prayers of the wicked; see Isaiah…
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Men Ruling over Women
Does Gen. 3:16 mean that men are entitled to rule over women? A possible basis for understanding Gen.3:16 is suggested by the very parallel wording addressed to Cain in Gen.4:7: "Sin crouches at the door; his desire is for you,…
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The Courage of Women
Does the Torah teach us anything about the strength and courage of women? Women mentioned in the Torah demonstrated strength and courage on at least three occasions: 1. Shifrah and Puah defied Pharaoh's order to kill the Hebrew boy babies…
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When a Girl is Born
How is the birth of a girl celebrated? An appropriate thing to do when a girl is born is a naming ceremony, corresponding to the fact that boys are named when they are circumcised.
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Shaving
Is shaving with an electric shaver forbidden? In an electric shaver, the hairs of the beard go through narrow openings. The small blades rotate (or oscillate) in back of those openings. Hairs are cut off because they are caught between…
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People who were Born Circumcised
Which people mentioned in the Bible were born circumcised? The Midrash (Tanchuma 9:7; Avos de-Rabbi Noson 2:5) lists 13 people who were born circumcised: Adam, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Shem, Terach, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Rashi on…