David Sedley
48 answers
I live in Jerusalem with my wife and children. I was formerly the Rabbi of BHH Shul in Leeds (England), and before that of EHC in Edinburgh (Scotland). I currently teach Halacha and Gemara at both Midreshet Rachel and Darche Noam Yeshiva. You can look at some of my other shiurim on my website www.rabbisedley.blogspot.com or my parsha blog www.parshatshavua.blogspot.com
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Symbolism of Fire
What is the meaning and symbolism of fire in Judaism? There are many ways in which we use it: Yartzheit, (remembrence) Shabbat, (endings and beginnings) Hanukah, (miracles) warmth, in the Magen David it is said it’s the fire and water…
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Personifying G-d
I had a discussion with a friend of mine about ‘What G’d is’. I told him that you can’t describe G’d in human terms. It’s something spiritual, it’s the perfection. I also told him, that the first thing that G’d…
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When was the Torah written
When was the Torah written? How long did it take. Please present sources. The Talmud in Bava Basra (14b) discusses whether the entire Written Torah was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, or only the first section describing things that…
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Heaven and Hell
I know that Jews believe in Heaven, but is it said in Jewish text that there is a hell? Answer: Thank you for your question. Jews believe in an afterlife, and in fact that afterlife is the main purpose of…
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What accompanied the sacrifices?
When aminals were sacrificed, either prior to the Golden Calf incident, when performed privately by persons such as Noah or Abraham, or for that matter, during the temple period, what kinds of prayers or incantations accompanied the sacrifices? There were…
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Health, Prayer, and Teffilin
What can bring good luck and health? What should one do when facing health issues? Can wearing tefilin for someone who hasn’t worn tefelin in many years make a difference in health and or good luck? It is always essential…
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Oral Law
When the written Torah says to “Not to go out of your place on the Sabbath” it is saying that on Day 6 there will be enough Mannah for two days. We may go out and gather on the 6th…
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Happiness and the Purpose of Life
I have recently been reading Mesilat Yesharim (Path of the Just) and according to the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) this life is just a series of tests and sufferings that a person has to endure. Is it correct therefore…
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Respect for Converts
What is the proper response to people who refer to converts as converts and imply a second-class status? Some people insist on making this distinction regardless of the length of time since the conversion. I get angry but do not…