Basics of Judaism
- Basic Values and Morality
- Chosen People
- G-d and Torah
- Heaven and Hell
- Other Denominations
- Reward and Punishment
- Science and Torah
- Sin and Repentance
- The Messiah
- Who is a Jew?
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You Know Your Life Mission
I believe very much in the idea of each of us having a unique purpose. My question is: Do you think, i.e does Judaism teach, that our unique purpose is knowable, and if so, how could one discover what it…
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Take Good Care of the Earth
Are there consequences of abusing the earth? Answer: Any action that we do is responded to in kind. If we treat others respectfully, we are treated respectfully, if we are rude, we will be treated rudely. The same goes for…
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Marijuana
Is it permitted to smoke marijuana? Answer: Thank you for your question. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein OB”M discusses this in his responsa Igros Moshe, Yoreh De’ah Vol. 3, Siman 35. The following is a loose translation of what he writes there:…
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Torah Study – Self Help or Altruism?
I find the Kabbalah I’ve studied in various classes is parallel to self help books and focuses on the “I” or “me”. One course I took was described as”reflective approaches to chart your own path to personal growth.” I have…
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What’s a Mentsch?
What is a Mentsch? I understand in German it means a person, however in Judaism, Mentsch has more meaning. It is a good person – one who helps others. Where in the Torah does mentsch come up? Answer: A Mensch…
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Science and Torah Cannot Conflict
Judaism believes that the Jewish calendar begins at the time Adam is created on the 6th day (because time is for people). Currently this time is 5770 years, the Jewish year. How does Judaism reconcile civilizations around the world that…
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Handicaps and Our Mission
How does God view me as a deaf person? Answer: God places every person in the world with a task to be accomplished. In Hebrew this accomplishment is called a Tikkun. It is a task which only the soul possessed…
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Did the Patriarchs Know the Torah and Observe It?
I’ve read that Jacob, Joseph, and his brothers were observing and studying the Torah. Wasn’t the Torah given to Moses after their time? Answer: Excellent question. The source of this is the Talmud (Tractate Yoma 28b) that writes that Abraham…
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Satan: Not a Being, but a Challenge
I was watching a movie today and I heard the mother of the Victim (Jewish girl), say: ” There is a sentence in the Torah that says, “Even Satan wouldn’t create a child murderer”. I was disturbed at this statement,…