Idolatry and Non-Jewish Practices
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Animal Idols
I wonder why idol worshipers used to both worship animals and at the same time offer them as sacrifices? Idol worship was often a form of dealing with uncontrollable forces in the world. They perceived these forces as having power…
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Talking With the Dead
Does it say anything in the Tanach or in the Talmud about talking to the dead through a medium? In I Samuel 28 there is told the story of King Saul going to a medium in order to be able…
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Astrology
Is Astrology allowed in Jewish practice? Hi, Thanks for this question. There is a difference between astrology and astronomy. In terms of studying space, stars, and the like (astronomy) Judaism embraces it. To learn about science in general is a…
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Torah and Pagan Influences
I’ve read on many sites that the scape goat concept and the sprinkling of blood on a person having skin disease for purification etc. were due to pagan influence and that G-D who is most compassionate would not allow that…
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Eastern Religions
Are Hinduism, Buddhism and generally religions of the east considered idolatry? Hi, Thanks for writing to us. The truth is that we believe that much of the far east spiritual wisdom comes from us. Abraham’s teachings were brought to this…
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Reiki
Is the practice of Reiki permitted? According to the International Center for Reiki Training (reiki.org), “While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to…
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Idolatry
What is idolatry? An idolator is someone who believes that some person or thing, other than G-d Himself, is divine or is an intermediary between G-d and us. Thinking very highly of oneself, or being arrogant, resembles idolatry in some…
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Omens
Is a person allowed to make decisions based on “signs” or “omens”? It’s not necessary to ignore coincidences; they may be meant to attract our attention. But we should have good reasons for any decisions that we make as a…
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Mixtures of Wool and Linen
Why are mixtures of wool and linen forbidden? The laws of Kilayim are “arbitrary” laws (chukim) that have no “logical” rationales. In his Moreh Nevuchim, Maimonides suggests that mixtures of wool and linen may have once been used in garments…