Miscellaneous
-
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…
-
Dancing as Service or Sin?
Is dancing a sin? Answer: Thank you for your excellent question. Dancing in and of itself is not considered to be sinful in Judaism; in fact, we find quite the opposite! Throughout the Bible, as well as many places in…
-
Taking a Break from Torah Study?
Once Torah study is the most important thing in the world, should I never hang out with friends for the sake of friendship? Must I always be learning? Answer: Everyone needs a break sometimes. (Maybe there are exceptions, but certainly…
-
Paying for Jewish Education
I am in a very uncomfortable predicament. I send my three children to a Hebrew school. For the coming school year, the school has decided to raise tuition by 30%. In order to receive an abatement, we need to complete…
-
Emotional Freedom Techniques and Jewish Law
The technique of “tapping” used in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is claimed to release emotional and physical blocks. Is this acceptable in Jewish law? Answer: I don’t see any problem with it. There are many alternative, holistic approaches to our…
-
The Three Crowns
Questions: I remember hearing Jewish teachings regarding 3 crowns that a man can wear during a lifetime. Although I do not recall exactly what each of them are, my vague recollection is that they refer to royalty, wealth, and the…
-
A Symbolism of the Tree
For you, what is the religious significance of the tree as a symbol? Answer: Man is compared to a tree of the field (Deuteronomy 20:19) in that just as a tree produces fruit, a human also does so by the…
-
Chochmah, Binah, and Da’at
What is the difference between “chochmah,” “binah,” and “da’at?” To me, it sounds like all three should be translated as “wisdom,” “wisdom,” and “wisdom!” Answer: Chochmah is practical knowledge; how to do things: How to drive a car, how to…