Jewish History
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Refugees from the Ten Tribes
I’ve been reading up on Jewish history and was wondering if any Israelites displaced by the Assyrians were welcomed into Judah as refugees as Judah seems to have remained unscathed for the next 150 years or so. Answer: I don’t…
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6 Million Kedoshim
Please define the term Kedoshim in reference to the memory of the six million who died in the holocaust. Answer: Kedoshim means sanctified ones. Meaning that one who dies because he or she is Jewish is sanctified to an extremely…
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The Third Temple
How will the Third Temple be built? Answer: Some say that the Third Temple will be built by the Messiah (Rambam, Melachim 11:1), and others say that it will come down from heaven (Rashi, Rosh ha-Shanah 30a and Sukkah 41a).…
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How to Vote in the Elections
What is the Torah outlook regarding Presidential elections? I cannot come to terms with either the Republican or Democratic candidate, as I feel they do not fully represent my interests and values. Should I stay home on Election Day? Answer:…
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Adam’s Garments
What were the heavenly garments that G-d made for Adam (Genesis 3:21)? Answer: That is a great question that several of our Sages have addressed, and I will share with you some of their answers. Indeed, according to our understanding…
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The Rumor that Jews Have Horns
What is the story behind the rumor about why Jews have horns? How did that get started? Answer: To my knowledge, it began with a mistranslation of Exodus 34:29 — “…and Moses didn’t know that his face shone when He…
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The Meaning of Ashkenaz
I was told that over 5000 years ago there was a reservation of people that were led by a man named Ashkenazi, and his people were named “Ashkenazi” after him. These people accepted Judaism. Is this true? Answer: I think…
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The Tragedy of Orpah
Could you discuss the qualities of Orpah in the Book of Ruth and why she chose to return to her own people. Was it practical? Was she from wealth? etc. What happened to her? Answer: To me, Orpah is one…
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Asnat and Divine Providence
How could Joseph marry Asnat [Hebrew for Asenoth] (Genesis 41:45) if she was an Egyptian? Answer: In truth, Asnat was the Jewish child of Joseph’s sister Dena, and she was adopted by… Potifar’s wife! (She was the woman who tried…