Miscellaneous
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Teen Depression
Why are teenagers so often depressed? Answer: Excellent question! By and large, teens today have not been exposed to the deep spiritual work needed to be uplifted and happy. As the masters have taught us (Rabeinu Yona on Proverbs), the…
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Smoking Marijuana
Does smoking weed [i.e. marijuana] make me a sinner? One of the commandments in the Torah is that we have a responsibility to keep our body healthy, and maintain our ability to do the right things. Since “weed” damages various…
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Determining “Kohen” Status
How a person can prove that he is a kohen. My father told me that he was a kohen and therefore I am also one. However is it just my word that determines this, or is there some way to…
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The Linguistic Root of Holiness
In your post entitled Marriage Ceremony, I was rather surprised by the following line: “The Torah requires that when a man wishes to marry, he must first sanctify the woman to himself in front of two witnesses: the ceremony called…
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Want vs. Need
Why doesn’t the prohibition against coveting include soliciting money? How can poor people collect money? There is a clear difference between “need” and “want.” Coveting is defined by seeing what someone else has and wanting it. On the other hand,…
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Secular Knowledge
Should a person study secular knowledge? Everything that is true has its roots in Torah and, if properly learned, can enhance Torah study. Of course, the risk is that if it is improperly learned or is inherently false, then secular…
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Anger Management
I am 19 years old, and I admit I have a problem – I get angry when the things don’t go my way (like when my buddies don’t have time for me, or even when my dollar gets eaten up…
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Blessings Over Food
What is the significance of blessings over food? One of the reasons that G-d created humans to sense pleasure, is in order that we appreciate His goodness. Through this appreciation, we will recognize our obligation to observe G-d’s commandments. In…
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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…