Basic Values and Morality
-
Mass Murder in the Torah
The Torah is filled with stories of the early Jews making war on the various locals as they enter the “promised land”, and killing every man, woman, and child in a given village. In some cases they even killed the…
-
Torah Sanctioned Slavery and Morality
Why did the Torah permit slavery even if the system was better than the prevailing practice? Answer: Forgive me for writing so briefly about such an important issue. I have, by the way, dealt with a similar question in an…
-
The Mitzvah of Learning About Great People
Is learning about great rabbis such as, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef or Ramban a mitzvah? Answer: Thank you for your excellent question. The Torah tells us that we must attach to Hashem, “l’davka Bo” (Devarim/Deuteronomy 30:20), and that “deveikut” or attachment…
-
Designer Babies
What is the Jewish view on designer babies? Answer: I don’t know of any source in Jewish law that speaks about this case exactly, but it would seem to run counter to Judaism. Jewish law forbids tattoos and messing with ones…
-
Counting People and King David
In Chronicles 21:1-17 David conducts a census (against the will of G-d) G-d gives David three choices and sends a plague that kills 70,000 Israelites. Did G-d sentence the 70,000 to die because David failed? If counting was prohibited, who…
-
Talis for Women, Kitniyos, Diversity and Contradictions
I have become confused by what I see as contradictions in Jewish law. I’ve read some comments in the Talmud about women wearing a tallit (I do, personally as does my mother, though sometimes I wonder if I should). Some…
-
Concern for Someone Else’s Sin
Could you extrapolate, perhaps offer some references to explore, the issue of the sin committed unwittingly. I am thinking about for example when you know someone is not taking care of themselves and you do not say or do anything…
-
Fear Blinds
Is there a source in the Torah that expounds on the idea that “Fear can blind a person. So much so that the person can’t think and his clarity is gone”- or is that a bogus theory? Answer: While the Talmud…
-
Torah Jew and the Internet
What’s wrong about internet? Answer: I suppose the answer to your question will depend on who you ask. As I’m sure you already know, there are some who feel that the risks that come with the content available on the…