Other Faiths
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Spiritual Gifts
In Christianity there are specific gifts of the Holy Spirit ie: Wisdom, Understanding, Council, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord (see Isaiah 11:2). Also,we understand that the Spirit of God bestows additional gifts ie: prophecy, administration, giving, leadership,…
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“Turning the Other Cheek”
What does Judaism teach about forgiving others for wrongs done to you? Is one expected to endure repeated hateful actions and to forgive endlessly? According to Jewish teachings, is it wrong to terminate a relationship with a sibling who repeatedly…
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The Holy Spirit
Why does the Jewish faith not believe in the Holy Spirit? Answer: Judaism does believe that God’s Spirit (or Presence) is Holy. Judaism does not, however, believe in a separate manifestation of God referred to as the “Holy Spirit”. The…
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Hijacking Jewish Genealogy
I have recently encountered a few individuals who claim that modern Jews are not the true Israelites. There is one group calling itself the Black Hebrews that claims that Ashkenazi Jews are not of Israel because they descend from converts;…
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Duped Out of Faith?
I was born Jewish to a family that had very limited ties to the Jewish tradition. I married a Christian woman in her church several years ago. The pastor of the church agreed to marry us, but required that I…
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Reading Jesus and the Cross into Torah
My next door neighbor is a Christian, and constantly reads Jesus and the cross into the Torah. Lately she’s asking me about the significance of the Jews in Egypt putting the blood of the Paschal lamb in three places –…
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The Jewish Rejection of Christianity
Why do Jews reject Christianity? One of my teachers expounded the following thought: When you consider the development of all religions in the world, Judaism stands out as unique. All of the other religions begin with a supposed communication between…
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Islam and Judaism
What is the difference between Judaism and Islam? Thank you for your question. Judaism and Islam have many things in common. For example, we have the same idea about God (Allah); and we have the similar ideas regarding giving charity,…
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Doctrine of “Original Sin” & Psalm 51:7
I am curious as to what David is referring to when he says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” More specifically, I know Judaism does not believe in the “original sin”…