Jewish Texts
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Understanding the Sacrifice of Isaac
Can you direct me to any texts debating whether Abraham failed G-d’s test when he was willing to proceed with the sacrifice of Isaac? Answer: You will not find any real source material stating that Abraham failed the test because…
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Do Angels Talk to Women?
My son would like to know why in the Torah Portion of Vayera (Genesis 18) when the guests, who the Commentaries say were really angels, bring news to Sarah that she would have a child, why was the guest facing…
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Marriage of Abraham and Hagar
When Sarah gave Hagar to Abram in order to fulfill what she thought was the prophecy that she would have a child, was he committing adultery by taking Hagar or just custom? Answer: Abraham was not committing adultery. Remember, the Torah was…
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Why did Hevel (Abel) have to die?
Cain had murdered his brother. But considering that nothing can come about without G’ds permission, what sin did Hevel do to deserves being killed by his brother? Answer: Hi! I am fascinated by your question, based, as it is, on…
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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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Grace After Meals – Birchat Hamazon
What is the commandment for saying a blessing after a meal? What is the reason for reciting this blessing? Is it absolutely necessary to say the blessings in the form in which they are written after a meal? If I…
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Centrality of Tanach
As a teacher, how do I give my students an idea of how people of the Jewish faith perceive scripture? Is such a thing possible? What are the central texts for Judaism? I would very much like to impart to…
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What did Pinchas Do?
The beginning of the Torah Portion of Pinchas begins with a reference to a great deed that Pinchas did. What great deed did he perform? Answer: Pinchas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aharon HaKohain, appeased My anger against…
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Keturah’s Sons and Names Listed in the Torah
In Genesis, Chapter 25, (Shishi of Chayei Sarah), the Torah begins by telling us that Avraham married Keturah and had six sons with her. It names them and then names the sons of two of them, the sons of Jokshan…