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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Discovering Jewish Geneology
I believe that my mother’s family may be Jewish. They came here from Hungary, and I grew up eating Matzos, going to the bazaars at the local Synagogue. I learned that my great-grandmother was fluent in Yiddish, Hungarian, and German.…
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Cloning II
What is the Jewish stance on cloning? Answer: It is a bit complicated since, as one might expect, many extrapolations must be made to get from the ancient Rabbinic literature to cloning. Much of what I read was based on…
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Talent Getting in the Way?
My daughter, since the age of 3, has been obsessed with painting. Truth be told, she is amazing; but she becomes so involved in it that she is not able to make any meaningful friendships. Sometimes I wonder, can she…
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A General Perspective on Stem Cell Research, Cloning, Etc
I’m trying to find out info about the Jewish stand with regard to the following related topics: Stem cell research Cloning GMO’s – Genetically Modified Organisms (eg. corn, wheat, cattle and other agricultural organisms). Pharming – Genetically breeding organisms that…
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Divine Messiah?
If the Messiah is not divine, then why is the name of God applied to him in Isaiah 9:5-6 — the Messiah is referred to as a mighty god? Throughout the prophets we see names being bestowed upon a child…
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Converting My Husband
I met my non-Jewish husband at a time when I was completely unaffiliated, and had severed my ties with everything Jewish. Having returned from a backpacking trip to Israel, I became increasingly more observant, and have a passion for a…
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Emotional Freedom Techniques and Jewish Law
The technique of “tapping” used in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is claimed to release emotional and physical blocks. Is this acceptable in Jewish law? Answer: I don’t see any problem with it. There are many alternative, holistic approaches to our…
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A Definition of God
Do you believe that God is more like a process rather than an actual being? Answer: According to the Talmud, G-d is primal, undifferentiated existence out of which all differentiated existence emerged. The existence that emerged from “Him” is completely…
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Physical Contact Prior to Marriage
I know that Jewish law places strict limitations on physical contact between men and women who are not married. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that person cannot fully get to know someone else without any physical contact. So how do Jews…