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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Healing through Study?
I have been suffering with chronic medical issues for the past 7 years. It gets worse and then reverts to manageable, but I never feel healthy. What are the Jewish teachings on healing through study? Answer: Our Sages ask the…
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Near Collision – What’s G-d’s message to me?
I almost nearly got killed (unintentionally) today, G-d forbid. I was tired & I ran a red light in a HUGE major intersection. I just nearly (by 2 seconds according to the cops) missed 2 cars going full speed, nearly…
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The Value of Friends
Where does the Torah tell us that good friends are hard to find and are very valuable? Answer: The statement “A friend can be acquired only with great difficulty” is found in the Midrash (Sifrei on Nitzavim; Yalkut Shimoni on…
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Historical Persecution of Jews
I am interested in history and global politics and truly want to understand why the Jewish people have been consistently persecuted both historically and in modern times. I’ve noticed that the same irrational hostility keeps showing up throughout history, and…
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Do Non-Jews go to Heaven?
Do non-Jews go to heaven when they die? Answer: Non-Jews who aren’t sinners (i.e., who obey the Noahide laws) go to heaven when they die (Talmud, Sanhedrin 102b; Maimonides, Repentance 3:5). When the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 11:1) lists major sinners who…
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The Early Pharaohs
What were the names of the Pharaohs in the times of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses? Answer: According to a legend cited by Ginsburg, the Pharaoh in Abraham’s time was named Rakyon, and he is said to have been the first…
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The Blessing of the Kohain (Priest)
It is known that the kohanim (Priests) in the temple used to bless the people by holding their hands in a specific position. 1. Could you please explain more on the meaning of it? 2. Why was it not permitted…
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Why isn’t Shavuos Always a Sunday?
According to the Torah (Lev. 23:15), the Omer offering is brought on “the day after the Sabbath”, and we then count seven weeks and celebrate Shavuos. Why doesn’t Shavuos always fall on a Sunday? Answer: “The Sabbath” in Lev.23:15 means…
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Lot’s Wife and Salt
Why was Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt? Why salt of all things? Answer: The classical Midrash commentary teaches that when Lot insisted on serving the visiting angels, his wife did not want to go along with it. She even…