Miscellaneous
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Questioning as a Road to Wisdom
Does the Torah instruct us to ask questions in search of wisdom? I understand that most of the Talmud is, in fact, questions and answers. But does it anywhere state that we must ask questions or be inquisitive and thereby…
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Donating My Body to Science
I would like to donate my body to science. In order to do this, the scientific organization sends consent forms for me to sign. At the time of my death, they take whatever they need, cremate the remains, and send…
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Obscene Language
I was wondering: What is the Jewish attitude towards foul language? The secular courts, particularly in America, have struggled with this question. The prevailing opinion in the courts is, that we cannot define obscenity; rather, we know it when we…
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Soul After Death
Is it possible to see the soul after it leaves the body? Is it possible to contact and converse with a soul after death? Thanks for asking this great question. This concept is one that we find in movies, and…
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Reasons for Fasting
Is fasting done as an “obedience thing” or are you purifying yourself before seeking God? Is it something totally different? One interesting purpose for fasting is to act as if we are offering ourselves as a sacrifice in atonement for…
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Judaism and Walking
In today’s world of health, there seems to be a consensus that walking is very good for a person. Maimonides had many good ideas on health issues. What did he, or any of the other great scholars, have to say…
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Nursing Care for Orthodox Jews
As a nurse, how should I take care of someone who is an orthodox Jew? I would want to know about nutrition requirements and special rituals for death. Any information that you can provide me would be appreciated. Answer: We…
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Preservation of Life in the Face of Suffering and Pain
What is the Torah position with regard to the preservation of life when facing certain death? Are we duty bound to accept or continue chemotherapy, for example, when life becomes full of illness and pain? To what extent must we…
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The First Jew
Who was the first Jew? I always thought it was Abraham, but in school we learned that it was Ezra. Judaism is a covenant between G-d and the Jewish people. The details of the covenant were provided in full, by…