Basic Values and Morality
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Breaking the Neck of the Donkey
Why was the first born of a donkey killed as prescribed in Exodus 13:13? Isn’t this contradicting to other Torah laws which are so sensitive to animal lives? What is the use of killing that innocent animal? I know it…
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Jewish Empathy
I work with someone who is Jewish and she was telling me about a a prayer gathering that she goes to regularly. They pray for a list of people in need within their community – people they don’t even know!…
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Hypnosis
What is the Jewish view on hypnotism? What is the basis for this? First off, you must understand that there is a distinction between hypnosis used to help people change destructive behavioral patterns and stage hypnotism which is used in…
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Sight
What does the Torah say about vision? Answer: Bamidbar (Numbers) 15:39 This shall be fringes for you, and when you see it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord to perform them, and you shall not wander after…
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Negative Speech and Venting
What does it say about when my wife and I talk negative about others simply because we were sharing our internal feelings or frustration for spiritual or moral support? You are asking an excellent question. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs…
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Purpose of Creation
Did G-d create the universe and all that it is for the sole benefit and use of mankind or more specifically, for the Jewish people? If the answer is for the Jew’s benefit, then what is it that separates Jews…
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Euthanasia
Hi, why is euthanasia not permitted in Judaism? The short answer to your question is that, simply put, our bodies and lives are not our own to decide to do with them what we please. We have been entrusted with…
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Gambling
What is Judaism’s stance on gambling and playing cards ? Is it allowed just for the sake of fun? Thanks for your time. The problem with gambling is twofold. One is that the gambler is not occupied productively which goes…