Basic Values and Morality
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How Can I Be Happy in Our Times?
How is possible live in peace, love and health these days? There’s so much war, pain, so much poverty, and people feel so along! Answer: No one could possibly deny that there is terrible suffering in the world. I’m not…
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Life Worth Living
Coming up to Rosh HaShana it’s natural to reflect upon one’s life and its direction. Before addressing that, however, I’ve been plagued by an even more basic question: “What makes life worth living?”. Assuming I decide that life is worth…
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What’s Allowed Vs. What’s Right
If something is permitted in Jewish law does that mean that its right? Answer: Not necessarily. The Ramban (Vayikra 19: 2) writes that the Torah itself requires us to make an effort to avoid moral self-destruction caused by over-indulgence in…
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Cheating on Exams
According to Jewish laws can somebody cheat on exams or not? Answer: According to Jewish law it is completely forbidden to cheat on exams. In Exodus 23:7 the verse states “Keep away from anything false.” It is also never sensible…
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Abusive School Administration
Is it the right thing to keep quiet when your child is psychological and emotionally abused by the teacher and principal because you are afraid that no other private school will take your child? Answer: Thank you for your question-…
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Cruelty in the Conquest of Canaan
It is my impression that, during the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were often commanded to destroy entire populations. This was certainly carried out in the case Jericho (Joshua 6:21-25), with the exception of Rachav and her family. My question…
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Basic Values and Morality, General Relationships, Marriage and Dating, Mitzvos (Commandments), Modesty & Sexuality, Women’s Issues
Casual Contact Between Men and Women
Is there a law that a Rabbi cannot touch a woman at any time, excluding his wife, of course? Answer: Thank you for your question. Before I answer your question though, I would first like to give a brief introduction…