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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Losing a portion in the next world
For what sins can someone lose their portion in the World to Come? Our Mishna teaches that “All Israel have a portion in the world to come”. This promise is based on the words of the prophet Isaiah (60:21) that…
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Inspiration in Illness
I have a relative who was a very healthy man, struck tragically by a very rare disorder that has left him without the use of his legs. I was wondering if there are any texts that deal specifically with the…
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Talmudic interpretation of “why we are here”
Can you tell me how the Torah or Talmud addresses the question: “Why was I born”, or “Why am I here”? Or even, “What is my purpose”? I am a Lay Leader in a small community, the question has been…
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To save one human being is to save the entire world
Can you please tell me the source and meaning of this quote: “To save one human being is to save the entire world.” Thank you. There are several slightly different versions of this quote found in Talmudic sources. The way…
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Freewill
When G-d created the man.. he gave man freewill. Was giving man freewill the defining purpose in creation of man? The defining purpose in the creation of man was God’s desire to do good to others. For God to have…
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Reincarnation
Do all Jews believe in Reincarnation? Is this a teaching that is practiced or taught? Thanks Reincarnation is an optional belief in Judaism. Many, myself included, do believe in it but there are others who do not.
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Vegetarianism
I’ve recently been studying the torah for a school project, and I have found that Judaism may be right for me. I am a vegetarian, and I was wondering what your stance on vegetarianism is. Thank you. It depends on…
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Law and revelation
How do differing concepts of revelation affect the process of decision-making in Jewish law? Until very recently, there was only one concept of revelation and that was as stated in the Torah–namely, that between two and three million people witnessed…
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Orthodox Jew vs. Messianic Jew
What is the difference between an Orthodox Jew & a Messianic Jew? Thanks for the question. An Orthodox Jew believes in the Written and Oral Torah, as passed down by tradition for the last 3300 years. He believes the words…