Idolatry and Non-Jewish Practices
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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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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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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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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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Burying a Tattooed Person in a Jewish Cemetery
According to Halachah, may a person whose body has tattoos be buried in a Jewish cemetery? Ho whose body has been pierced? Answer: It is not prohibited to bury someone who has tattoos or body piercings in a Jewish cemetery.…
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Mediums, Speaking to the Dead
What does the Torah say, if anything on the subject of mediums, people who can (presumably) see, sense or interact with the dead. If the Torah does not address this, is it addressed anywhere? And if so, what does it…
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“Divination” to Identify Spouse
About 1 year ago I went on a date with this amazing Jewish guy. Right away, he made such a great impression on me — simply the best guy I ever went out with. Soon, though, I had to leave…
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Manipulating the “Force” of the Universe
I’m very interested in learning about the systems by which we can manipulate the “force” of the universe. If such methods do exist, can they be used? You are indeed wise to ask about this. As with many ideas, these…
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Supernatural Remedies
I have heard of using Kameas (amulets with supernatural capabilities) in certain situations (mostly for health issues) and that they really work. What is the idea behind a Kamea? Why are some Segulos (positive omens/auguries) permitted? Isn’t it like a…