Basic Values and Morality
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Supernatural Remedies
I have heard of using Kameas (amulets with supernatural capabilities) in certain situations (mostly for health issues) and that they really work. What is the idea behind a Kamea? Why are some Segulos (positive omens/auguries) permitted? Isn’t it like a…
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Veal and Inhumane Slaughter
My future mother in law would like to have veal served at our wedding. However, from what I have learned veal is raised in an inhumane fashion, different from other animals. They are raised in small crates unable to move…
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Forgiving the Horrors of the Third Reich
Do I still have to apologize for the things that happened during the Third Reich? Isn’t there something like forgiveness within your religion? People who keep on bugging someone with the things he has done, beyond apologies are considered as…
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Balancing Pleasure and Indulgence
I feel that pleasure is a sin and thus refrain from any kind of sexual activity, do not eat more than I have to, devote as much time as I can to intellectual matters, etc. The problem is that my…
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Religion as an Excuse for Cruelty
How can you take religion seriously if it’s so often used as an excuse for cruelty and evil? That religion is sometimes used to justify vile behavior is an undeniable truth. But you can’t necessarily judge Judaism (or any religion)…
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Music, TV, and Moving Towards a Religious Life
I am in my early thirties and just recently started my journey of becoming a more observant Jew i.e., wearing Tzitzit, Yarmulke, attending services, Torah study, etc. However, there are certain issues that I need immediate help with: What type…
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Excessive Dieting
I am constantly on diets. Although I am not fat I always have this pressure to be really slim. After all, in the world today, everyone is trying to be thin and look good. Is there something wrong with that?…