Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt
15 answers
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Displaying a Torah Scroll
Is it proper for a Torah to be displayed in a cabinet in a business? We are curious about the rules for housing and displaying a Torah. Answer: Thanks for the question. A Torah is a holy living document, and…
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Discovering Jewish Geneology
I believe that my mother’s family may be Jewish. They came here from Hungary, and I grew up eating Matzos, going to the bazaars at the local Synagogue. I learned that my great-grandmother was fluent in Yiddish, Hungarian, and German.…
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Census of the Jewish Encampment
I am trying to help my daughter understand the portion that discusses Moses taking a census of all the head of the tribes. I am having trouble relating this to us/my daughter and her life today. I was hoping for…
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The Death of a Pet
My cousin’s beloved dog that she had for many years just passed away. She and her young children are having a difficult time. Any suggestions that might help? Thanks for the question. The passing of a pet is a difficult…
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Jacob Called It Peniel but People Call It Penuel
I was in a class where it was stated that Genesis 32:31-32 is an example of scribal error. The contention was that the use of the word Peniel and then Penuel indicates scribal error. I had heard, a couple of…
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Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox
Someone asked me why there is so much conflict and bad feelings between the different sects of Judaism. How can I answer her question? I fall in between a conservative and orthodox ideology so it would be preferred that the…
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Nature of G-d
Is G-d conscious of what He does (in our sense of the word)? Is G-d’s will as free as is ours (Can He choose among possibilities)? Or may He change his own rules? In truth we do not know much…
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Concentrating During Prayer
I just do not seem to be able to get many things out of my mind while I pray! I fully sympathize with your challenge. One reason Halacha (Jewish Law) says that we should repeat the same prayers every day,…
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Height of the Original Menorah
A friend of mine ,a retired engineer, ask the height of the menorah which stood in front of the original Temple in Jerusalem. I believe it was 18 tephachim, or three amos, about 5 feet tall. Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt Dallas,…