Science and Torah
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Unwitting Jews and DNA Testing
Since Judaism is passed through maternal lineage, the children of a woman who strays from Judaism will be Jewish without their knowledge. Her daughters will marry, and they will have children who are Jewish without their knowledge. This can happen…
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Organ Transplantation
Is organ transplantation permissible for the prolongation of human life? Answer: Organ transplantation is an important, yet complicated, part of Torah law. There are many details and nuances, and each specific case must be dealt with accordingly. In concept, though,…
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Purpose of Planets in Outer Space
What’s the purpose of other planets? Some say that people get a certain kind of “energy” from other planets. I thought that everything came, and will always come, from G-d! Answer: I think that when dealing with the “purpose” of…
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Secular Knowledge
Should a person study secular knowledge? Everything that is true has its roots in Torah and, if properly learned, can enhance Torah study. Of course, the risk is that if it is improperly learned or is inherently false, then secular…
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Skin of the Tachash
At least 6 times, G-d calls for the covering of the sacred parts of the Tabernacle (see Exodus 25) “with the skin of the dolphin.” Why the dolphin? I assume that you have read some translation of the Torah that…
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Supernatural Remedies
I have heard of using Kameas (amulets with supernatural capabilities) in certain situations (mostly for health issues) and that they really work. What is the idea behind a Kamea? Why are some Segulos (positive omens/auguries) permitted? Isn’t it like a…
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Doctors and the Sabbath
Where can I find analysis of whether or not a doctor can violate the edicts concerning work on the Sabbath or on High Holy Days. Am I correct in believing that a physician is permitted to labor on these days…
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Autopsy
Is it ever permissible for an autopsy to be performed on someone of the Jewish faith who has died? For example, if the findings of an autopsy could help save another life, is an autopsy permitted on a deceased person?…
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Dinosaurs and the Six Days of Creation
In Genesis it tells us what was created on each day. So if on the first day, the Heaven and Earth were created, and at the end of the week, the sixth day, man was created, and man was not…