Sin and Repentance
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Predestination
Do Jews believe in predestination? G-d knows what will happen; nevertheless, people have free will and can control their intentions and actions (Mishnah Avos 3:15). If people didn’t have free will, it would be unfair to reward them for being…
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The Evil Inclination
Is there a good side to the evil inclination (YETZER HA-RA)? The Midrash (Gen.Rabbah 9) tells us that even the evil inclination is important, because if not for it, people wouldn’t build houses, marry and have children, or do business.
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Repentance, Prayer, and Charity
What is the relative importance of repentance, prayer, and charity? Teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity) are three powerful religious concepts. They are all called “great” in different contexts; on the greatness of repentance see Talmud Yoma 86b, on…
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The Tree of Knowledge
When Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, does this mean that they were forbidden to study and gain knowledge? “Knowledge of good and evil” isn’t synonymous with “knowledge”. Adam could…