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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The Start of the Calendar
When does the Jewish calendar start? The Jewish calendar starts with the Creation, which occurred 5763 years ago. The year is calculated by adding up lifespans of people mentioned in the Bible.
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Coveting
What is “coveting”? “Coveting” means desiring things that belong to other people. Desire for permissible things is commendable; if not for desire, people wouldn’t eat well, marry, or do productive work (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah on 1:31).
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“Cutting Off”
What is the punishment of “cutting off”? “Cutting off” (KARESS) is understood by the Rabbis as dying young; see Sifra Emor 14 and Talmud Moed Katan 28a. It is never interpreted in the Rabbinical sources as expulsion or excommunication.
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Revenge
Are we allowed to take revenge on a person who has wronged us? We shouldn’t be vengeful; if someone who deserves punishment can’t be brought to justice, we should trust in G-d to punish him. See Lev.19:18 (“Do not take…
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Honoring Parents
Must a parent be honored even if he behaves improperly? Parents are not allowed to abuse their children (Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 240:19-20), but they must be honored even if they behave offensively (240:3) unless their behavior becomes unbearable (240:10).…
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Respecting a Father-in-Law
How do we know that a father-in-law must be respected? Moses went out to greet his father-in-law and bowed to him (Ex. 18:7), and David called his father-in-law Saul “my father” (1 Sam. 24:11).
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Keeping Dogs
Are Jews allowed to have dogs? The Talmud (Bava Kama 83a) says that keeping dogs is permissible for Jews who live close to non-Jews.
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Ways of Understanding the Torah
What are the four ways of understanding the Torah? The classical four ways of understanding the Torah are PESHAT (the plain meaning); DERASH (meanings inferred by traditional rules of interpretation); REMEZ (hints or allegories); and SOD (“secret”, esoteric meanings). See…
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The Angels and the Nations
What is the relationship between the angels and the nations of the world? There are 70 angels representing the 70 nations (the number of descendants of Noah listed in Gen.Ch.10). The angel of Esau, with whom Jacob wrestled (Gen.32:25-30), is…