Mitzvos (Commandments)
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Coveting and Controlling Our Thoughts
I don’t understand one of the 10 commandments. The one about coveting your neighbor. All of the other 9 are about actions, and these make sense. But how can G-d control our thoughts? How are we supposed to avoid thinking…
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Hand Washing Before Bread
Where does it state in the Torah that one should wash their hands before eating bread? Hi! There is no such law in the Torah. The laws of hand washing are a Rabbinical enactment, designed to remind us how food…
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Tattoos
Why are tattoos not permitted in Judaism Tatooing was a behavior associated with idol worshippers and those who wished to be involved with the forces of impurity. Apparently a tatoo on the body has the ability to draw to itself…
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Ten Commandments
Where in the Bible does it say Jews should know the Ten Commandments ? Although there is no specific passage that requires Jews to know the Ten Commandments, such knowledge is included in the general requirement for Jews to be…
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Tziztis Strings
I asked a co-worker what the strings are that surround his waist and he showed me the undergarment and explained(rather vaguely)the strings.Please excuse my ignorance.Can you give me a better explanation regarding what the number of strings symbolize and the…
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Understanding the Homosexuality Prohibition
I understand that homosexuality is called an abomination in the Torah, but what are the conceptual reasons that homosexuality is wrong? The Torah doesn’t mince words when it describes its condemnation towards what’s become known as an “alternative lifestyle.” I…
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Mixing Fish and Meat
If according to modern science and medicine the mixture of fish and meat is not dangerous, why do we still follow it? Is it crticial that we avoid this combination, if the reason it was given was for health? Our…
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Exploring the Movement for Ethical Speech
I’m researching the “Shmiras HaLashon” movement (Campaign against negative speech known as “Lashon Harah”) that has arisen in the past 10 or so years. In general, I’m interested in how popular this subject has become, among who and why. Specifically,…