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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Beginning Prayer with Mah Tovu
Why do we begin the prayers with “Mah Tovu”? Answer: “Mah Tovu” is said in praise of the synagogue (“ohalecha”, “mishkenosecha”, “beisecha”,…). In principle, it should be said when entering a synagogue; but the phrase “eis ratzon” applies to prayer…
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Was Adam Androgynous?
Is Adam known to have been created androgynous (… male and female He created them), or was Eve literally created ‘out of’ a complete, male Adam ? Correct me if I am wrong, but does the Zohar say Adam was…
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Prayer and Fraudulent Rabbis
I’ve been encouraged to speak to a Rabbi who charges $299 for a talisman necklace. Can I not get help without having to pay money and do some weird magical prayer service? Please – I need an honest answer. Answer:…
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The Golden Calf: Did they not believe?
After the Israelites saw Moses part an entire sea and have it stay that way while the slaves escaped, how can they possibly doubt G-d and build the idol of the Golden Calf? Wasn’t it obvious that G-d was with…
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Egyptian Neighbors
The Torah states that before departing from Egypt, God instructed that everyone borrow jewelry from their neighbor. How are the Egyptians referred to as ‘neighbors’? Were the Israelites by then mixed with Egyptians in their living arrangements? Answer: You ask…
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Is Christianity a Form of Judaism?
Can Christianity be construed as a form of Judaism? Answer: The early followers of Jesus were Jews and they believed that they were following Judaism in their belief in Jesus as their expected Messiah. As the message of Jesus spread…
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Asking Others to Pray for You
If prayer is a personal thing between you and G-d, is it appropriate to ask others to pray for us and why is it appropriate? Answer: It certainly is appropriate because they too have their own personal relationship with G-d.…
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Chanukah and Religious Identity
What universal message can be drawn from Chanukah? Answer: Chanuka is a holiday about Jewish identity. The Assyrian Greeks (Yevonim) weren’t interested in the physical destruction of the Jewish People rather they wanted to destroy the Jews separate identity. They…
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The Love of David and Jonathan
Recently I was discussing King David with a guy and he claims that King David and Jonathan were homosexual lovers. Is this true and if not can you tell me where to find the answers to refute his remark? He…