Mitzvos (Commandments)
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Communal Offerings and Synagogue Dedications
In Numbers, ch.28, the laws of the Mussaf offerings [a form communal sacrifices] are discussed. How were the animals, flour, oil, and wine paid for? From Temple funds, or did people ‘bid’ on them, as many congregations do today for…
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Men’s and Women’s Clothing
What does the Torah have to say about clothing for men and women? How similar can they be? Why should/shouldn’t there be any difference between them? Answer: Thank you very much for your interesting question. We do not find in…
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Eye for an Eye vs. Turning the Other Cheek
My non-Jewish friends tell me that they think Judaism is wrong because it teaches one that an eye for an eye is the right way instead of turning the other cheek. Are they correct in their assessment of the Jewish…
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Artistic Expression in Judaism
I am an art student and I will be traveling to Greece to assist my sculpture professor with a monument. I would like to research/interview/learn about the Jewish community in Greece. I have 2 specific interests: How Jewish Law views…
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Genetic Engineering and Kashrus
What are the implications of genetic engineering for kashrus? Answer: Transplantation of a few genes from a non-kosher creature into a kosher creature doesn’t make it unkosher, because its basic identity hasn’t changed. (Also, gene transplantation isn’t cross-breeding, and isn’t…
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Jews as Vegetarians
Wouldn’t it be better for us to be vegetarians? Answer: Adam was in fact not permitted to eat meat (Gen. 1:30); but Noah and his descendants were given permission to eat animals after they are killed and their blood removed…
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Pure and Impure things
I would like to know why do impure animals and plants exist. If The Lord created them, surely there can be an animal or plant which is not pure but at least it has beauty, or strength, or has any…
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A Cohen by Name
Is there a way I can check from someone’s last name if they are a Cohen (a member of the priestly Jewish tribe)? Where can I find that out? Answer: The short answer is no. There are many names that…
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Hatarat Nedarim – Annulment of Vows
What is Hatarat Nedarim? Why is it prayed so many times? What is the importance of this prayer, what do we learn from it? What happens with the promises that we are sure we did but not accomplished? Answer: Hatarat…