Basic Values and Morality
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Preaching Religion
There’s a person who constantly bothers people to go to synagogue even though they are not religious. Now I know keeping the religion going is important, but not all Jews are religious. What should we tell this person? While that…
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Purpose Of Life
I’m writing a program for my students about the meaning of life. I remember hearing of explanation of the purpose of life as: 1. Each jew is given a certain area of the earth in which they have to protect…
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Games, movies and music
I want to know the Torah’s view on virtual violence that is shown in today’s computer games and movies. Although no actual violence is done is it permitted by the Torah ? Even the rap songs and other music use…
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Ethical behavior
I would like some readings/writings about the phrase “derech eretz”– I think of it as “respect” but I would like to pursue this “right road” further. I hope that there have been many comments and understandings of what is the…
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The effect of dress
Can you please explain how the modest way we are told to dress effects us and our level of observance? This is a deep question, which I will begin to explore with you. But, like many deep questions, it is…
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Genocide
How are we to understand, and justify, the Torah’s injunction to engage in genocide against the indigenous inhabitants of Canaan? Granted the Canaanites were very evil and as the Torah states, their evil behavior was (at least one of) the…
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To relax with a drink
I realize there are times when drinking can be dangerous or harmful to the person. Is drinking just bad all together or is it based on what happens or what you do when you are drunk… It is a Torah…
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In the “image of G-d”
Does a Nazi fall into the category of “tzelem elokim” (status of being created in the image of G-d) or has he lost that part of his being that would allow that category to apply to him? The question you…
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TV-less home
I am a single parent and I pursue studies twice a week in the evenings during which time I have to leave my 15 and 10 year old at home alone. I am getting rid of the TV because it…