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 Angel Rephael
What are the sources about the angel Rephael? The angel Rephael is not mentioned by name in the Bible, but he is mentioned in the Talmud (Yoma 37a and Bava Metzia 86b.) as one of the three angels who visited…
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Confession
What is the Jewish viewpoint on confessing one’s sins? Confession in the Torah is associated with bringing a sacrifice to atone for a sin, but it does not depend on a sacrifice; it applies in all places and at all…
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Gehinnom
What is Gehinnom? Gehinnom is the name given to Hell in the Rabbinic literature. The name was borrowed from that of a real valley (see Joshua 15:2,8 and 18:16; 2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chron.28:3 and 33:6; Jeremiah 7:31-32 and 19:2,6;…
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Baruch Ha-Shem
Who were the first people to say “Baruch Ha-Shem”? Noach, Eliezer, and Yisro said it; see Gen.9:26, Gen.24:27. and Ex.18:10, respectively. Lavan and Avimelech used the very similar phrase “B’ruch Ha-Shem”; see Gen.24:31 and 26:29.
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Isaiah 7:14
What is the meaning of Isaiah 7:14? The Hebrew word “almah” means “young woman” or “girl”, not “virgin”. Rashi, the premier Jewish commentator, says that Isaiah 7:14 refers to the same event as Isaiah 8:3, where Isaiah has relations with…
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The Olive Branches in Zechariah
What is the significance of the two olive branches in Zechariah4:11-14? The branches represent the two Jewish leaders — the king and the high priest — who were anointed with olive oil. The king (a descendant of David) and the…
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The “Person” in Proverbs Ch. 8
Who is the person speaking in Proverbs Ch. 8? The “person” speaking in that chapter is Wisdom. Since wisdom is a characteristic of G-d, it existed before the world was created, and it “assisted” at the creation; but it’s an…
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The Power of Repentance
How effective is repentance? The Talmud says that if a person sincerely repents, his former deeds are counted as if they had been good deeds (Yoma 86b). Thay may be why in the world to come, those who repent are…
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Daniel 8:23
Who is the “fierce-featured king” in Daniel 8:23? There’s wide disagreement over the identity of that king. Rashi says he’s Titus, the Roman who destroyed the Second Temple; Ibn Ezra says he’s Antiochus (Epiphanes), the Seleucid who polluted the Second…