Star K
46 answers
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Jewish Ritual for the Skeptical
A friend of mine is disgruntled with organized religions. He believes that all the festivals and rituals and holidays are antiquated nonsense. When asked why Jews needed the rituals and festivals and what relevance they held in order to…
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Urim and Tumim of the High Priest
What is the Urim & Tumim on the Ephod? How were they used by the priest? And the big question – what happened to them? Answer: Inside the Breastplate was placed God’s sacred names. Ramban (Exod. 28:30) states that Moses…
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Literacy at the Time of the Patriarchs
In the time of Abraham did people read and write and if so who? What was the level of education for a poor 15 year old girl? Answer: Historically very few women were literate before the last 200 years. It…
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Arius Calpurnius Piso and Scripture
I’ve recently been reading about a person named “Arius Calpurnius Piso”. Apparently, this person, and members of his family, were responsible for creating the “New Testament”. Although I’m not particularly bothered by that, I am bothered by the contention that…
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Sefiras Haomer
When are you allowed to start listening to music, and where can I find these laws? Answer: According to those who are following the “first days” (the first 33 days), that allowance began with Lag B’Omer. According to those who…
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Soul Hovering After Death
I read that per Jewish custom an individual had to be deceased for at least four days before they were truly considered dead. Is this True? Answer: I think that you are referencing a Jewish belief that the soul does…
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Samson and the Donkey Jawbone
Why did Shimshon (Samson) specifically use the jaw bone of a donkey to fight the Philistines. Was it considered a miracle. Why didnt he use a sword or weapons of war? Answer: That’s an interesting question. In the simple understanding, I’d…
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Women’s Role in Judaism, Various Issues
I am an Orthodox woman and very unsure if I can stay in this path of life. I don’t want to be told apologetic answers, as I find them demeaning to basic intelligence. Also, they are clearly apologetics because if…
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I Wish My Husband Wouldn’t Look at Other Women
When I have sat to watch a movie with my husband…..and the camera focuses in on a womans body part….I get very upset emotionally. It feels as if to a very very slight degree that this woman just sexualized my…