The Land of Israel
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Removing the High Priest from the Holy of Holies
If a high priest in the Holy Temple died while in the holy of holies, how was his body taken out. Answer: During the 2nd Temple period there were a great many Kohanim (Jewish Priests) acting as “Kohein Gadol” (High…
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Babylonian Exile
I am a little confused as to when the Babylonian exile began and ended. Did the seventy years prophesised by Jeremiah begin whith the destruction of the Temple? What were the years of the exile (from when to when)? When…
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Future of the State of Israel
I recently read a disturbing story about the state of Israel and its destruction in 2023. Is this true and what can we do about making sure it does not happen? Answer: Thank you for your message. Since we don’t…
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Rope Around the High Priest
There’s a belief that the High Priest had a rope tied around his waist when he entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple during Yom Kippur (to pull him out should G-d judge him unfit and take his life).…
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The Incident of Benjamin and the Concubine
Why did the Israelite army go to war against all of the tribe of Benjamin when only some were responsible for the rape of the Levite’s concubine. After going to war they killed everybody in all of Benjamin’s territory –…
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Understanding Tum’ah (Spiritual Uncleanliness)
My son is studying for his Bar Mitzvah and his Torah portion is Leviticus 14:1-15:33. He is having trouble understanding the meaning of being unclean as it relates to the men’s and women’s discharges and other bodily functions. How can…
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Where are the Ancient Enemies of Israel?
I always read about countries like Babylon, Canaan, Amalek, and the Philistines in the Bible. I believe those countries and still exist even today. Who are they and are they still enemies of Israel today? Answer: Good question. You know,…
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Zionism and Israel
Many ultra orthodox jews are not zionist because they believe Israel should not exist because the Messiah hasn’t come. However the land which the Torah refers to isn’t Israel but Judah. Judah and modern day Israel are different because Judah…
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The Third Temple
How will the Third Temple be built? Answer: Some say that the Third Temple will be built by the Messiah (Rambam, Melachim 11:1), and others say that it will come down from heaven (Rashi, Rosh ha-Shanah 30a and Sukkah 41a).…