Judaism and Non-Jews
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Confronting Antisemitism
I wrote something on a gossip blog, but am having problems because I am a Jew. What can I do, and how can I communicate to people who have prejudice? Answer: Permit me to rephrase your question like this: Someone…
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Beginning of Idolatry
How and when did idolatry start? Answer: Since there are many ways to define idolatry, I could come up with a variety of answers. I could say that idolatry began the first time someone knowingly acted against the will of…
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Seven Noahide Laws
[A question was submitted asking for guidance in observing the Seven Noahide Laws. The following article provides a useful summary of the Laws.] Noahide Commandments by Rabbi Yoel Schwartz Translated by Yitzhak A. Oked Sechter Reviewed and corrected by Yechiel…
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Understanding Idol Worship
What was so attractive about idol worship that our ancestors occasionally engaged in it? From the descriptions of it, child sacrifice, etc. it seems reprehensible. Without a Temple today we are faithful to G-D so why in those days when…
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Is a Conversion Offering Required?
From my understanding, today’s conversions are considered incomplete. The basis is that conversion consists of circumcision, immersion in the Mikvah (ritual bath), and bringing a special Temple offering. The issue is the lack of this offering which I understand is…
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Do Non-Jews go to Heaven?
Do non-Jews go to heaven when they die? Answer: Non-Jews who aren’t sinners (i.e., who obey the Noahide laws) go to heaven when they die (Talmud, Sanhedrin 102b; Maimonides, Repentance 3:5). When the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 11:1) lists major sinners who…
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Diversity and Multiculturalism
I am seeking biblical text that describes the Jewish view of diversity and multiculturalism. I assume there’s some information that discusses the importance of respecting those from other cultures. Answer: This is a subject of such complexity that I couldn’t…
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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…
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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…