Miscellaneous
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Marijuana
Is it permitted to smoke marijuana? Answer: Thank you for your question. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein OB”M discusses this in his responsa Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah Vol. 3, Siman 35. The following is a loose translation of what he writes there:…
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What’s a Mentsch?
What is a Mentsch? I understand in German it means a person, however in Judaism, Mentsch has more meaning. It is a good person – one who helps others. Where in the Torah does mentsch come up? Answer: A Mensch…
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How to Change
I want to change my negative, evil thoughts to good, positive and productive ones that are more selfless. Do you have any suggestions on articles or books I could read? Answer: I’ve noticed that there are many, many approaches to…
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Unicorns in the Talmud
What does the Talmud tell us about unicorns? Answer: Thank you for your excellent question. There are several references in the Talmud and other Torah literature that may be interpreted as unicorns. The Talmud in Zevachim 113b mentions an animal…
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Symbolism of “Chai”, 18
What is the significance of the number 18? What is its importance and what is the meaning of the word Chai? What lessons can it teach us today? Answer: In Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value. The number 10…
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Studying Angels
Is there any single source, in Hebrew or English, that provides an overview of angels (specifically the identity/role of Metatron) in normative Judaism? If not, can you point me in the direction of the proper course of study? Answer: The…
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Spiritualism and Harry Potter
Is Judaism against mediums, fortune tellers, witches, sorcery , etc? I was told that this was a problem and that it was in the Old Testament. Is this true? I mean I love Harry Potter books and fantasy/sci-fi. If this…
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Generations from Adam to the Present
How many generations have past from Adam to the present according to the Torah? Answer: The Biblical count of generations from Adam to Moshe (Moses) was 26 generations. From Moshe to the present is much more arbitrary, and I think…
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Abusive School Administration
Is it the right thing to keep quiet when your child is psychological and emotionally abused by the teacher and principal because you are afraid that no other private school will take your child? Answer: Thank you for your question-…