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.
-
The Beginning of the New Year
If Nisan is the first month of the year, why does the New Year begin in Tishrei? Answer: The year begins on different dates for different purposes: in Nisan, for dating a king’s reign; in Elul, for giving tithes from…
-
Animal Heaven
To the best of your understanding, what is the Jewish perspective on the fate of an animal upon death? Are they considered to have a soul? Does a dog, who gave unconditional love and had been a loyal and brave…
-
Difference Between Murder and Killing
The death penalty does not fit under the commandment “You shall not murder.” I have understood that murder and killing are two different words in Hebrew, with the word “murder” being used in instances such as Cain and Abel, and…
-
Rachel and the Teraphim
Why did Rachel take her father’s Teraphim, his idols? Answer: According to the Midrash, Rachel took them because she objected to her father’s use of them for idolatrous purposes. Laban wasn’t a Jew; the Jews are descended from Abraham, whereas…
-
Taking the Soul of the Deceased to the Next Level
I was writing, and at some point I was not aware of what I was writing. I found that I had written “Your father can not go to the next level”. My dad passed away several years ago, and I’m not sure what…
-
How many commandments are we able to perform?
Considering we do not have the Holy Temple, as well as other factors which may exist, how many of the 613 commandments is a Jew living in the Diaspora able to fulfill? A Jew who lives in Israel? Answer: 77…
-
Pharisees and Priests
Are the priests of G-d and the Pharisees one and the same or are they different groups? Answer: The Pharisees are the leaders of the people (who accept the Talmud) and their followers. Priests are descendants of Aaron, the brother…
-
Menorah vs. Chanukiyah
What is the difference between a Menorah and a Chanukiyah ? Answer: Chanukiyah is a new term that is only about 40 years old. It was coined to distinguish between the nine-branched candelabra that is used on Chanukah and the…
-
Washing the Hands in Innocence
How do we know that washing the hands is symbolic of innocence? Answer: The concept comes from the EGLAH ARUFAH ceremony in Deut. 21:6-7. See also Psalms 26:6 and 73:13, which speaks of “washing the hands in innocence”.