| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| vayechi haftorah | 12/1/2008 |
Q: My daughter will be bat mitzvah on Jan 10 2009 we are looking for a simple explanation and lesson ...
A: Unfortunately it is against policy to do an assignment for anyone, but I am delighted to provide ...
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| God's work in Israel 6-day war | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I'm a 22 year old strong believer in Jesus Christ as the one and only Messiah, the son of God. I ...
A: You are entitled to your faith as a Christian, as I am permitted to hold a different faith and set ...
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| aliyah | 11/26/2008 |
Q: I converted to Judaism under the conservative movement. I've heard conflicted reports that if I make ...
A: I would hope that you speak with your sponsoring Rabbi regarding your status as an immigrant to ...
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| The Hereafter | 11/26/2008 |
Q: Does the soul survive?
A: The question is excellent; the answer is problematic: yes, no, perhaps, somehow. Sorry for the wide ...
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| Health | 11/25/2008 |
Q: I am training to be a General Practitioner and am doing a presentation to our group regarding The ...
A: I would urge you to contact the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly, ...
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| Clothing... | 11/23/2008 |
Q: in my version of the Old testament, the law says you cannot wear clothing made of wool and linen ...
A: Hebrew Scriptures - Jews don't use the term "Old Testament" implying that there is a supercession of ...
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| Jew by Birth? | 11/20/2008 |
Q: Rabbi Dov, I have a question that I'm not too sure is very easy to answer. Nonetheless, I hope ...
A: A person is "Jewish by birth" according to traditional Jewish law if their mother is Jewish by ...
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| ossuaries | 11/15/2008 |
Q: So we have the Caiaphas Ossuary, why does it look different than all other ossuaries? I have a ...
A: I really am not a trained archaeologist. I turned to various resources and I am going to attached ...
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| 1st century burial laws and customs | 11/11/2008 |
Q: according to oral Torah in the first century, could a non-related single woman accompany a dead ...
A: I wish you luck in your search. "Proper Halakha" from a Jewish point of view has long left the ...
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| Raising jewish children as a catholic mother | 11/10/2008 |
Q: Ok I know this seems far fetched here. I have recently had an in depth conversation with my ...
A: Let's take the easier items first. A Jew is someone who is born to a Jewish mother [ by birth or ...
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| 1st century burial laws and customs | 11/9/2008 |
Q: according to oral Torah in the first century, could a non-related single woman accompany a dead ...
A: I don't know the answer at this moment and have begun a search. Be patient please. I'll get back ...
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| women in the temple | 11/5/2008 |
Q: I read the answer to the question about women being allowed in the temple, wondering if it was part ...
A: If one is a literalist in terms of the Torah, there is some correspondence between the "layout" of ...
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| sin | 11/5/2008 |
Q: Is it a sin for a wife to provoke her husband? ANSWER: Dear Rocky, Thanks for writing. I need ...
A: If you mean a sin in terms of violating God's "Word," you are speaking in a fundamentalist sense ...
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| stones on graves | 11/4/2008 |
Q: why do you put a stone on the grave stone when you visit the sight?
A: There are a variety of references and reasons for placing a stone on a headstone when visiting a ...
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| Second Temple education | 11/3/2008 |
Q: What was the role of the disciple in the first century? Can you clarify this method of education ...
A: We don't have as much information about the education system of the first century BCE and CE as we ...
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| Literal interpretation | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I am Jewish but have often struggled with reconciling Jewish teachings that fly in the face of ...
A: Your thoughts and feelings are not unusual, but they are very important. Let's deal with first ...
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| Jewish backround | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I found out that I had a Jewish grandfather on my mother's side. He and my grandmother was divorced ...
A: In terms of Jewish law, as you describe your family history, you would not be considered a Jew by ...
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| a few questions... | 10/30/2008 |
Q: is smoking considered a sin in judaism? what of masturbation? and the occasional glass of wine? ...
A: It would appear that you are a relatively ecclectic person in terms of religious rules and ...
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| gelatin | 10/30/2008 |
Q: i am interested in finding out the conservative view on gelatin and what is acceptable. Also, if ...
A: The responsum by Rabbi Isaac Klein zt"l held in 1969 that gelatin is kosher, although gelatin from ...
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| I wanna be a jewish | 10/27/2008 |
Q: Im a grandson of a jew from morroco(Siboni)but my mother is cristian,Im 15 years old, Im from ...
A: First of all, I would urge you to discuss this with your family and with your priest/minister. ...
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| Re: Gentile wanting to follow Judaism | 10/24/2008 |
Q: I'm not really with any religious affiliation, but I guess the closest thing would be identifying ...
A: Yes, there is a category of "B'nai Noah" which encouraged those living in proximity to Jews to ...
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| Holocaust victim tattoos | 10/14/2008 |
Q: and aware of the historical anti-semitism within our church. Although tattooing is not allowed in ...
A: No, there has not been such an organized effort to memorialize those martyrs of the Holocaust. I ...
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| couples who are not jewish wanting to join a conservative synagogue | 10/14/2008 |
Q: We have 2 couples who come every Friday night and they have asked us to become members. We have been ...
A: This is ultimately a decision for your Rabbi to determine. Assuming you are writing to me for a ...
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| Hannakah | 10/12/2008 |
Q: In our home we have a tapestry for Hannakah that has a menorah in the form of a tree and with the ...
A: :-) I'm researching it now and will be back with you soon - certainly before Hanukkah. By the way ...
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| Counting of the Omer | 10/9/2008 |
Q: With all the other tragedies that have befallen Jews, why is the period of mourning for 24,000 ...
A: My own sense is that because the period historically was the time that we brought the Omer according ...
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| stories | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I am preparing a presentation for school childen on writing fiction. I want to explain to them that ...
A: I would imagine that you are looking for the Hebrew term "midrash" which technically is exegesis or ...
|
| Services | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I'm a 19 year old college sophomore, and a lifelong Christian. As part of my Intro to Religion ...
A: The simplest approach is that people will be dressed in at least slacks, tie and sports jacket. Most ...
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| plagues in the book of Exodus | 10/4/2008 |
Q: I am 34 year old Christian. I'm in a Bible study at my church, we are studing the Book of Exodus. ...
A: I am unaware of any textual or scholarly treatment of the chronology of the series of plagues. It ...
|
| art in the talmud | 9/29/2008 |
Q: how can I research art in the Talmud?
A: although this is a more technical subject. Sorry for the delay but as you know Rosh HaShanah took ...
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| The Amidah | 9/20/2008 |
Q: Recently I've been finding myself looking for ways to get more in touch with my ...
A: You haven't asked a new question and I've answered it many times with the same answer: the Amidah is ...
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| Suffering | 9/20/2008 |
Q: I am 54 years old, was raised Orthodox but since have left it to become agnostic but still searching ...
A: Your final paragraph says a great deal to me, and I would encourage you to indeed retain an ...
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| Death & funeral practice | 9/15/2008 |
Q: I'm a convert to Conservative Judaism and am observant. I didn't convert for marriage, so there's ...
A: This should bring it to an end, but I thought I would explain. I garden a great deal, raising 50+ ...
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| Death & funeral practice | 9/15/2008 |
Q: I'm a convert to Conservative Judaism and am observant. I didn't convert for marriage, so there's ...
A: I started to write - got half-way through and the system crashed. I didn't find a draft and so I'll ...
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| Death & funeral practice | 9/15/2008 |
Q: I'm a convert to Conservative Judaism and am observant. I didn't convert for marriage, so there's ...
A: Did you receive my follow-up answer? Rabbi Dov Here is my retrieved answer that should have been ...
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| naming traditions for girls | 9/14/2008 |
Q: I have one Jewish friend who says that the name of the firstborn is chosen by the mother and that ...
A: In my opinion, there is no such law, and I've never heard of such a "rule." The basis for such a ...
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| Religious Object Burial (Genizah) Practices | 9/11/2008 |
Q: Rabbi: Could you tell me what the tradional ceremonial practise would be for the burial of ...
A: My first suggestion and recommendation is that you speak with your Rabbi who is your congregational ...
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| Conception in the Torah? | 9/4/2008 |
Q: Mashlom'cha In the Torah, does it state that conception is between a man, woman and God? Because ...
A: To begin with, there are metaphors in the Bible and then later Rabbinic writing that describe a ...
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| Next Life | 9/4/2008 |
Q: It has been a long time since I asked a question but one has been bothering me. Two part question. ...
A: Judaism believes that there is a world to come, but we can only speculate about the nature of that ...
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| REFORM CEMETERIES | 9/3/2008 |
Q: Looking for where I can find all the rules for running a reform jewish cemetery. I was asked to be ...
A: but I am a Conservative Rabbi. Consult your own Reform Rabbi, or if you temporarily without a ...
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| jews | 8/31/2008 |
Q: why did the Jews kill Jesus?
A: The Jewish People couldn't execute Jesus as they lacked the self-government authority for capital ...
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| Adam and the Garden | 8/30/2008 |
Q: Good afternoon Sir .I was wondering what your understanding was of the garden .I am a Southern ...
A: and I'll provide several alternative answers. My first response is based upon my own theological ...
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| Judaism-afterlife | 8/26/2008 |
Q: What do Jews believe will happen after death?
A: Unfortunately, the subject of an after-life is especially complicated and the literature is large. ...
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| What was the purpose of animal sacrifices? | 8/10/2008 |
Q: I was raised a Christian and am presently attending an Orthodox church. I get a Christian ...
A: I refer your two questions - about sacrifices and the derivation of Christianity from Judaism and ...
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| 1st century Jewish greeting rituals | 7/31/2008 |
Q: How involved were greeting rituals? I have read they could last for some days. I am intrested in 1st ...
A: I've been trying to research this and have found nothing that would approach the kind of rituals you ...
|
| black jews | 7/28/2008 |
Q: I am a 52 year old Christian black man. I consider myself well educated and socially conscious. My ...
A: To begin with Judaism is a faith, and it has absolutely no racial, ethnic, national origin, ...
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| unveiling | 7/12/2008 |
Q: What type of invitation do we need to send out for my father's unveiling? What is the appropriate ...
A: and I hope that the years ahead will bring you joys and health for you and your family. I ...
|
| Rabbinic Judaism | 7/2/2008 |
Q: Are Conservative and Orthodox Judaism related to the ancient Pharisees and the rabbinic judaism of ...
A: This is a very "big" question and you will find varying answers depending upon whom you ask. As a ...
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| Organ donation for Jews? | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I want to be an organ donor, but if I am, can I still have a Jewish funeral and burial? My ...
A: I am responding with a general background as a traditional, Conservative Rabbi. You should, however, ...
|
| What Jesus really looked like. | 6/27/2008 |
Q: Years ago I was inspired by a Jesuit priest's serenity to do a portrait of Jesus. This of course ...
A: , Thanks for writing with an interesting question - to which probably only an anthropologist will ...
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| law? | 6/26/2008 |
Q: When my uncle stays with my mother, she tries to accommodate his newly orthodox ways. She is ...
A: Unfortunately, I don't know of any research possibility except fo contacting the Reference Desk of ...
|
| law? | 6/24/2008 |
Q: When my uncle stays with my mother, she tries to accommodate his newly orthodox ways. She is ...
A: I must confess that I've never encountered such a "rule" in any Jewish law. Yes, hospitality and ...
|
| jewish or not in the eyes of the God | 6/24/2008 |
Q: Q: If your farther is Jewish and your mother was catholic and you are born a boy and then baptised ...
A: According to traditional Jewish law one is born a Jew to a Jewish mother or is converted formally to ...
|
| Query | 6/16/2008 |
Q: I have Jehovahs witness neighbours who say that you should call God, Jehovah, but i think i read ...
A: I apologize for the delay - I'm recovering from major surgery and thought I would be back to ...
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| confused on my roots | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I was raised catholic, reverted to Christianity, and now am bitter towards the hypocrites that are ...
A: First of all, if you ask about being a Jew by birth, then yes if you have a maternal line that is ...
|
| Cemetery Issue | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I am the president of a synagogue in southern Rhode Island. About Twenty years ago a deal was struck ...
A: I am unable to answer your question and interfere in a synagogue, Rabbinic, community and movement ...
|
| Sabbath | 5/10/2008 |
Q: Many Christians worship on Sunday but Christianity came from Judaism, which worships on the Sabbath. ...
A: Judaism observes the Sabbath on the 7th day of the week and it cannot be changed to any other day. ...
|
| ? | 5/8/2008 |
Q: During the lifetime of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (which was a time before they had the law, and the ...
A: Before the development of Jewish law, there were societal codes and laws - often similar or even ...
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| Books of the Jewish Bible | 5/6/2008 |
Q: Rabbi, I am a Christian and have never seen the Jewish Bible and was wondering how it differs from ...
A: 1. Same book with a different translation - Hebrew is literally song of songs 2. I'll have to check ...
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| Books of the Jewish Bible | 5/6/2008 |
Q: Rabbi, I am a Christian and have never seen the Jewish Bible and was wondering how it differs from ...
A: There are various canon texts and they vary between religious traditions. Check the ...
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| Women and God | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I was raised Catholic, but I have found too many contradictions in their teachings to feel ...
A: I would urge you to speak with a Catholic faith leader regarding this question within the Catholic ...
|
| images | 5/5/2008 |
Q: The Law of Moses says to not make for yourself an image of any living thing....but does this mean ...
A: Yes, I believe that you have understood the intention of the laws. There was a great concern that ...
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| Jewish Temple | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I know in Solomon's day the Ark of the Covenant was hidden behind the veil in the Temple and only ...
A: I don't know the answer but I shall go now and try to find one for you. In the meantime, try the ...
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| conversion/Jewishness | 5/2/2008 |
Q: I understand that one is considered to be Jewish either because A) one's mother was Jewish or B) one ...
A: I wish I could provide you with an answer that would be more satisfying. A Jew is a Jew, in terms ...
|
| Anti -Semitism | 4/28/2008 |
Q: Why have The Jewish people suffered centuries of persecution from Christian faiths when according ...
A: Anti-semitism stems from many sources and for many reasons. No one has yet determined the defintive ...
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| Heaven | 4/17/2008 |
Q: As a person raised a Catholic, I always wondered in what context the Jewish man, Jesus, used the ...
A: I must leave the final interpretation of the phrase to your faith instructor. As a Jew and Rabbi I ...
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| Moses | 4/15/2008 |
Q: Is there any proof acceptable to historians that Moses existed? How about the exodus? Any ...
A: This is a long-standing academic discussion for Bible scholars, modern and traditional. Those who ...
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| religious identity | 4/14/2008 |
Q: Recently someone asked me what my last name is. I told him "Goldberg." He said, "Oh, you're Jewish ...
A: I meant that someone who converts formally out of Judaism may be considered still a Jew by many ...
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| On Deuteronomy 4 | 4/12/2008 |
Q: Will you please quote DEUTERONOMY 4:13 to me from the Original Hebrew into English. Thank You
A: The Jewish Publication Society TaNaKH which translated directly from the Hebrew reads: He declared ...
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| religious identity | 4/12/2008 |
Q: Recently someone asked me what my last name is. I told him "Goldberg." He said, "Oh, you're Jewish ...
A: To begin with, your faith identity is your own statement and practice. In traditional Jewish law, ...
|
| Lev. | 4/9/2008 |
Q: In Leviticus 20: 1-5 (King James Bible) it mentions several times about "giving his seed to Molech." ...
A: Molech was a middle easter pagan god, characterized by some as an idol with a furnace in the belly. ...
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| Commandments | 4/8/2008 |
Q: The Commandments given to Moses I find in Exodux,20 and 34 and Deuteronomy 5. Exodus 20 and ...
A: You are not the first to see the similarity and the differences. There are a variety of ...
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| Martin Buber | 4/7/2008 |
Q: "All journeys have secret destinations, of which the traveler is unaware." ~ Martin Buber I use ...
A: Thus far I have struck out using search engines and CD-ROMs I have of Jewish literature. While I ...
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| Hasidic Tales or other Jewish Stories Honoring Women | 3/27/2008 |
Q: I am searching for a Hasidic tale or other Jewish story that honors women. Can you help me? ...
A: There are a few books in English on gematria and also CD-ROMs. There are generally pages of such ...
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| Hasidic Tales or other Jewish Stories Honoring Women | 3/25/2008 |
Q: I am searching for a Hasidic tale or other Jewish story that honors women. Can you help me? ...
A: I have several suggestions: 1. In the Bible, you have a wealth of stories in which women play ...
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| officiating rabbi | 3/23/2008 |
Q: who usually performs the wedding ceremony-the bride or groom's rabbi? we are extremely fortunate to ...
A: There is no such term as "primary Rabbi" and each can officiate in equal parts of ritual, speaking, ...
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| officiating rabbi | 3/22/2008 |
Q: who usually performs the wedding ceremony-the bride or groom's rabbi? we are extremely fortunate to ...
A: Firstly, thank you for writing, and mazal tov to your family and that of your future daughter in ...
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| suffering | 3/15/2008 |
Q: why do jews believe we suffer? thanks very much
A: First of all, I hope that you are well and that the question is more theoretical than practical for ...
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| Palestine | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I cannot believe the simplified version of history you perpetrate, but I guess the only way to ...
A: You really haven't written a question, and given the tone you've taken of attacking me - not even ...
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| ancient cremation | 3/10/2008 |
Q: Was cremation/funeral pyres an acceptable part of ancient Judea customs?
A: I did a quick search in the new Encyclopedia Judaica, and I am appending the relevant information ...
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| Hello | 2/27/2008 |
Q: thought your name sounded familiar, so I checked the Ketuba and there it was. We've been married ...
A: I'll check out the pictures on Sunday but speaking as a grandfather - I'll bet they are beautiful! ...
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| women at Moses' tabernacle | 2/24/2008 |
Q: Could you please tell me where the women were allowed in regards to the tabernacle. I understand ...
A: Works now, thank goodness. :-) We don't know a great deal for certain about the desert sanctuary. ...
|
| Judaism | 2/22/2008 |
Q: Why, considering the global impact of the Jesus story in general, do the Jews not claim Jesus as God ...
A: In answer to your question, please understand that there are two responses: 1. As Jews, we don't ...
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| Judaism | 2/22/2008 |
Q: Why, considering the global impact of the Jesus story in general, do the Jews not claim Jesus as God ...
A: but Jews do not and will not accept Jesus as their messiah or savior. The reasons are legion and ...
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| prayer and fasting | 2/21/2008 |
Q: I believe that prayer and fasting are important in my walk with God but I am struggling with people ...
A: Fasting - giving up all food, drink or a partial amount - has origins in the Hebrew Scriptures and ...
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| Jewish beliefs about dying | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I'm learning about Jewish culture for school and one other things we are suppose to research is ...
A: However, I can "point" you to some sources. The easiest is the www.jewishencyclopedia.com, looking ...
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| Very sorry if you've heard this one before... | 2/13/2008 |
Q: In the bible i have read that God takes people who has a speciific attitude towards people who have ...
A: I truly feel for your losses and disappointments. Life is often not fair and filled only with joy ...
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| Very sorry if you've heard this one before... | 2/12/2008 |
Q: In the bible i have read that God takes people who has a speciific attitude towards people who have ...
A: Before I answer, would you mind please telling me more about yourself - your age, religious ...
|
| Follow up to "born again" | 2/10/2008 |
Q: Rabbi - In a class, the teacher mentioned that there were eight Jewish "born again" experiences -- ...
A: I appreciate your frustration in not receiving an answer in your frame of reference. Perhaps that is ...
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| "Born again" -- again | 2/10/2008 |
Q: Rabbi - In a class, the teacher mentioned that there were eight Jewish "born again" experiences -- ...
A: In what sort of class did your teacher mention "there were eight Jewish "born again" experiences -- ...
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| marriage without ceremony | 2/7/2008 |
Q: I am 78,a liberal Baptist, and trying to grow spiritually.Before man created ceremonies to legalize ...
A: The Torah, Five Books of Moses, don't describe the actual marriage ceremony or the consummation of ...
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| Homosexualtiy | 2/2/2008 |
Q: My name is Bradley, i am 14 and a Christian. I, however, am interested in conversion to Judaism, i ...
A: However, I don't personally believe in counselling a minor regarding conversion. I would encourage ...
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| questions about a proverb | 1/30/2008 |
Q: there is a proverb that says the quiet will always be thought of as wise. When it says "quiet" does ...
A: It would be helpful if you would tell me which chapter and verse in the Book of Proverbs you are ...
|
| interfaith dating | 1/24/2008 |
Q: My son is dating a Conservative Jewish girl. He is Christian and has gone to church all his life. ...
A: and I want to respond to you not only as a Rabbi but as a father and releatively recent grandfather. ...
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| lost tribes | 1/24/2008 |
Q: Can you give me a brief explaination of what is meant by the "lost tribes of Israel" ...
A: The most popular explanation for the "lost Tribes of Israel" refers to the destruction of the ...
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| a question... | 1/19/2008 |
Q: the scripture says "blessed is the man who does not stand in the way of a sinner" but it also says ...
A: "Standing the way of the sinner" in Ps. 1:1 is a parallel stich to the opening stich, and it means ...
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| killing. | 1/17/2008 |
Q: if the law says killing is wrong, then how come the law also says it is okay to kill people who ...
A: The laws of the Torah and Judaism forbid murder, but under different circumstances the taking of a ...
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| in the torah... | 1/16/2008 |
Q: in the jewish faith, is it conidered a good thing or a bad thing to want to be like God?
A: In my understanding of the Jewish faith, imitation of God is a positive value but it is also ...
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| Abraham Heschel | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I'm working on a translation from Abraham Heschel's "The Insecurity of Freedom" in the chapter ...
A: While I was a student of Dr. Heschel z"l I would not claim that I can fully understand his writing ...
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| Tradition of visiting a new home. | 1/13/2008 |
Q: I have a friend who is Jewish and came to my new home with a loaf of bread and a small parcel of ...
A: There are several historical reasons for this custom of bringing various items to a new home. 1. ...
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| Jewish home decor customs | 1/13/2008 |
Q: Are there any specific home decor customs for Jews?
A: There are traditionally two elements in the "decor" of a Jewish home: (1) a mezuzah = on each ...
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| Leviticus Chptr 12 | 1/11/2008 |
Q: Why was is necessary for a woman to continue in her blood purification for 40 days when a male child ...
A: Sorry for the use of the Hebrew which may not have been clear. The term "milah" means ...
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| Kneeling before g-d | 1/10/2008 |
Q: Did the Jews ever have the custom to kneel before G-d before Christianity (BCE)? If so, was it ...
A: Jews have had the custom of kneeling, and it continues today on the High Holy Days. At that time it ...
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| sheitel | 1/9/2008 |
Q: Iis it true that some orthodox women have their sheital made of their own hair? would this be ...
A: I am not an Orthodox Rabbi and I refer your question to an Orthodox Rabbi for an Orthodox ritual. ...
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| Leviticus Chptr 12 | 1/9/2008 |
Q: Why was is necessary for a woman to continue in her blood purification for 40 days when a male child ...
A: There are a variety of explanations and interpretations. Rabbi SRHirsch writes that the woman ...
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| .... | 1/7/2008 |
Q: what's the difference between mocking someone and rebuking someone....
A: To mock someone is to make them the object of ridicule, privately at the least and quite possible in ...
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| Malachi | 1/7/2008 |
Q: Why was Malachi the last prophet. Did we do something that prevented us from being worthy of a ...
A: When the Rabbis canonized the Bible, it was they who declared Malachi the last prophet - please note ...
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| inquiry | 11/30/2007 |
Q: Shalom alechim, my question is about people who claim to be atheists yet live very ethical and moral ...
A: There are really two parts to your question. Certainly those who live an ethical and moral life as ...
|
| MiShebayrach | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I am a 51 year old male in New York City. Can a personal MiShebayrach blessing be given by a ...
A: This is a complicated question. To begin with it is congregational policy which is entirely int he ...
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| jesus | 11/28/2007 |
Q: do jews believe that jesus is the son of god and that he died on the cross for our sins.after all ...
A: While I thank you for writing, I've answer this many times. Jesus has no religious or divine ...
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| Naming Traditions | 11/26/2007 |
Q: My wife and I are expecting our second child in January. My wife started the process of converting ...
A: Ashkenazi tradition normally does not name a child for a living relative - as do the Sefardim. ...
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| Weekly service | 11/25/2007 |
Q: Greetings Rabbi: I wanted to ask if there are any guidelines or restrictions regarding a non-Jew ...
A: I would urge you to speak with the Rabbi of the congregation where there is a service to work out ...
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| jewish get and civil divorce | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I would like to obtain a get and thereby effect a Jewish divorce as quickly as possible. I am not ...
A: Speaking for myself I speak with the attorney and they write into the civil decree the requirement ...
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| Conservative judaism | 11/20/2007 |
Q: I Have a project about religions and I got assigned conservative judaism but im not really sure what ...
A: but we don't do assignments for obvious reasons. Some suggested resources are a local Conservative ...
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| women attending funerals | 11/19/2007 |
Q: Greetings, What are the limitations on women attending funerals? When do they date back to, please? ...
A: Your question reflects some very Orthodox customs and procedures, especially in Israel. In the ...
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| Conversion | 11/14/2007 |
Q: Rabbi Dov, I am contemplating conversion to Judaism, my wife is not interested in converting but has ...
A: The process for conversion is possible, and the best suggestion is to speak with a local Rabbi. ...
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| Conversion to Judaism | 11/12/2007 |
Q: I am wondering about the process involved in converting to Judaism. My husband and I (35 and 28, ...
A: Thnks for writing and I hope I can help. There are a series of steps in conversion: 1. Education ...
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| adoption of non-jewish child | 11/12/2007 |
Q: If Jewish parents adopt a non-Jewish infant what is the status of that child. Does the child need a ...
A: BTW I speak from being a proud Rabbi of adopted children in our larger family. Yes, an adopted ...
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| Burial in a jewish cemetery | 11/11/2007 |
Q: I have been undergoing an Orthodox conversion but stopped because my fiance could not commit to all ...
A: The essential principle in Jewish tradition is that when one converts according to the tradition of ...
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| Jesus | 11/8/2007 |
Q: I fancy Jewish nation , their great achievements , magnificent history and awesome survival . but ...
A: I appreciate your kind thoughts about the State of Israel, the nation with a Jewish culture, ...
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| Turning lights on shabbath | 11/8/2007 |
Q: My cousin (who is currently converting to Judaism) is convinced that a conservative Jew on Saturday ...
A: First of all, I have to say honestly I've never heard of such a rule about being in a room under ...
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| Jewish as race or religion | 10/31/2007 |
Q: I am in a sort of identity crisis. My father is Jewish as well as all members of his family. My ...
A: and your situation is not unusual - for several reasons. First of all, the most traditional answer ...
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| Question on Eschatology | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I want to ask what is the Conservative Jewish position on the Messianic Age and the World to come? ...
A: The reality is that Conservative Jews don't have to explain or deal with the Orthodox opinions - ...
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| PRAYER | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I am a mystery novelist. My character abandoned his Jewish faith when the rabbi would not marry him ...
A: What you just discovered is that there is no "average" Jew but rather every possibility is just that ...
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| genealogy possibilities for Messiah | 10/27/2007 |
Q: Are the Jewish people aware of the current possible family lines through which the Messiah may ...
A: However, there is no reliable genealogical data-base from which any bloodline can be traced reliably ...
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| PRAYER | 10/26/2007 |
Q: I am a mystery novelist. My character abandoned his Jewish faith when the rabbi would not marry him ...
A: Correct conclusion. Your characters like so many Jews think of marriage as a sacrement, a ...
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| PRAYER | 10/24/2007 |
Q: I am a mystery novelist. My character abandoned his Jewish faith when the rabbi would not marry him ...
A: First question of this sort!! The premise is very realistic in terms of disappointment, although it ...
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| question about mary | 10/17/2007 |
Q: was mary breaking jewish law by sitting at the feet of Jesus and anoiting his feet. someone tryed to ...
A: I am unaware of any law that would have prohibited someone from washing the feet of another, either ...
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| Visiting the gravesite of my parents | 10/9/2007 |
Q: My name is Teri, I am 57 years old. I used to attend a reform temple, but have switched to ...
A: To begin with, please understand that I am not a follower of the Kabbalah or those customs. I agree ...
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| sects | 10/9/2007 |
Q: Are there different sects or cults in Judaism? thank you behzad
A: We don't speak of sects or cults. There are some groups within Judaism that are more extreme - ...
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| Teffillin | 10/8/2007 |
Q: Is it acceptable to bring a bag with both tallis and teffillin to a Yom Kippur service, or should ...
A: If one considers Yom Kippur to be the "Sabbath of Sabbath" we don't don or handle tefillin on the ...
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| Re: A few questions | 10/8/2007 |
Q: Shalom! I have a few questions if I may ask. Ok, so recently I have been doing some religious ...
A: Concerning the Documentary Hypothesis, it has also been revamped and revised over time. Be careful ...
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| head covering | 10/7/2007 |
Q: Our new Rabbi insists that women wear a head covering when on the Bimah. This has never been a ...
A: I appreciate your response. Let me explain. First of all, I never contradict a colleague - of any ...
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| head covering | 10/4/2007 |
Q: Our new Rabbi insists that women wear a head covering when on the Bimah. This has never been a ...
A: I will encourage you to meet with your Rabbi. Change is always difficult, and your new Rabbi will be ...
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| why | 10/4/2007 |
Q: Why do Judaism followers do not believe in Jesus as Messiah? There are many messianic prophecies ...
A: but this is an old question with old answers. Jesus did not fulfill the Biblical prophecies in the ...
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| ayuda | 9/5/2007 |
Q: My father was Jew and my mother catholic. My father took me several times to the synagogal and I ...
A: Please forgive the delay in answering; I was needed to help with a death in the family out of town. ...
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| Rebuild | 9/5/2007 |
Q: From a question previously asked,but not answered...Do you have the answer? Q- What year was the ...
A: Please forgive the delay in answering; I was needed to help with a death in the family out of town. ...
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| A buzzword? | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I'm writing from Europe and I'm a Catholic. I watch a lot of American movies which sometimes ...
A: Please forgive the delay in answering; I was needed to help with a death in the family out of town. ...
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| Melchizedek | 9/2/2007 |
Q: Sir, What is your take on: "Melchizedek"? Who/what is he...for what purpose?
A: Please forgive the delay in answering; I was needed to help with a death in the family out of town. ...
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| unveiling | 9/1/2007 |
Q: Due to issues that are very complicated it is not possible for my brother and I to be present at my ...
A: Please forgive the delay in answering; I was needed to help with a death in the family out of town. ...
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| Wine | 8/30/2007 |
Q: Q- Hosea 4:12 says...( Can you explain) ? "Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart. ...
A: What is it specifically that you are seeking to clarify. Harlotry means sexual immorality. ...
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| Grave metal boxes | 8/29/2007 |
Q: We were at the cemetery where I saw metal boxes on several graves that appear like mail boxes. These ...
A: I've consulted with colleagues, most of whom have not reported seeing such metl boxes. No one could ...
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| Wine | 8/27/2007 |
Q: Q- Hosea 4:12 says...( Can you explain) ? "Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart. ...
A: The citation is properly Hosea 4:11. Dr. A. Cohen sees a relationship between harlotry and drink, ...
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| Hebrews | 8/25/2007 |
Q: Rabbi When the Hebrews were in the wildderness for 40 years, did they have animals, that were used ...
A: During the time that the Israelites or Hebrews were in the desert, the basic domestic animals were ...
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| Judaism | 8/24/2007 |
Q: What are some changes Judaism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief ...
A: I can't speak for the history of the other movements, but consider the following on the Conservative ...
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| Judaism | 8/23/2007 |
Q: What are some changes Judaism underwent from its founding and why? Difference in practice/belief ...
A: however the questions you raise are beyond the scope of this column. There have been untold changes ...
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| body/spirit death | 8/22/2007 |
Q: I recently read your answer regarding the placing of rocks on headstones. It is something I have ...
A: What I had intended to convey were the "layers" or evolution of understanding about death and the ...
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| "girtel" | 8/20/2007 |
Q: What is the sometime custom of men wearing a tie or sash around their waist? What does it signify ...
A: In some ultra-orthodox and/or Hasidic communities, there is a belief that one needs to separate the ...
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| I Kings 11:19-20, Tahpenes | 8/16/2007 |
Q: All my questions are related to Queen Tahpense, I Kings 11:19-20. (1) What is the meaning of her ...
A: Unfortunately I am not a specialist in Egyptian language and applications. Tahpenes is an Egyptian ...
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| DH, and one other question | 8/16/2007 |
Q: Today I was approached by a muslim missionary (yup.. they exist now.) And they were trying to show ...
A: I don't wish to be rude or evasive, for I appreciate your interest in the topic. However what I ...
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| DH, and one other question | 8/12/2007 |
Q: Today I was approached by a muslim missionary (yup.. they exist now.) And they were trying to show ...
A: I took some additional time to check out some resources for you. Documentary Hypothesis is a term ...
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| BORN AGAIN | 8/6/2007 |
Q: I am a Christian, 61 years old. The Christian Bible uses the expression 'you must be born again'. ...
A: I needed to do some research on the various interpretations of "to be born again" in Christianity, ...
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| Who? | 7/31/2007 |
Q: Q- Re Ezra 7:7 Who are the “Nethimim”?
A: Thye are earlier mentioned in 2:42ff, and the Hebrew means "given" to God or the Levites. They were ...
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| prophecies | 7/18/2007 |
Q: there are places in the bible where God tells people that their families will be tormented and die ...
A: Regarding various personalities in the books of Hebrew Scriptures who disappointed God or ...
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| sheep | 7/15/2007 |
Q: I heard a preacher say that it was a custom at one time to keep a unblemished shhep in the house for ...
A: This is a notion I never heard of. It is an interesting idea,to suggest that one "sacrifices" ...
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| Slayings | 7/9/2007 |
Q: Q- Does the Talmud record anything about the slaying of the male children that Herod was supposed to ...
A: , Thanks for writing. If I am not wrong, this isn't the first time you have written, trying to find ...
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| The Big T | 7/2/2007 |
Q: Lerner...I hope you can help me understand this.. Okay, I don't understand how the name "Tammuz" ...
A: Although you're correct that the references are to pagan deities in various traditions, including ...
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| Egypt as Serpent | 6/30/2007 |
Q: to a community fleeing Egypt) as a symbol for Egypt, or Pharaoh? I know at one later point at least ...
A: Is it possible? Perhaps. Let's not forget that the crown, as seen for Cleopatra, had the serpent ...
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| GOOD NEWS | 6/30/2007 |
Q: MESSIANIC PROPHECIES FOR JEWS 1. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 2. Isaiah 49:1-7 3. Isaiah 42:1-9 4. Isaiah ...
A: Bannai, You may think that this is a positive act, but from my point of view it is rude - it is ...
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| Please reply, i am still waiting, am I a jew? | 6/30/2007 |
Q: I have written to you before, you askesd me for my email adress. I wonder if I am a Jew, I am so ...
A: Allow me to be brief and clear. According to Jewish tradition and law, if your mother had only a ...
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| Broken Shabbat Candle Stick Holder | 6/24/2007 |
Q: I have kind of an odd question. Would you have any advice on how to fix a Shabbat candle stock ...
A: Contact either a jeweler or a metal shop which does welding. The only rel decision that has to be ...
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| The Messiah | 6/18/2007 |
Q: Hey there, thank you for reading my question. I need not just your point of view on this question, ...
A: The Hebrew is speaking of a time during that of the prophet, NOT of a future time as Christianity ...
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| Stem Cell Research | 6/16/2007 |
Q: I am a Christian and in highschool. I would like to know the Conservative Judaism beliefs in ...
A: As a Conservative Rabbi, our movement is entirely in support of all forms of stem cell research that ...
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| head coverings | 6/11/2007 |
Q: I found your answer to a question dating back to 2004 on the tradition of the yarmulka. I have ...
A: I went researching and found the following that provides some background. A Babylonia custom was ...
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| Torah scroll | 6/5/2007 |
Q: I'm a 14 Year old student studying Judaism at school. Please can you tell me what the wording means ...
A: There are many different inscriptions on a Torah Schroll mantle. Unless I can see it, I cannot ...
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| Animal Sacrifice | 6/3/2007 |
Q: I know now that animal sacrifices stoped in 79 CE when the Temple was destroyed. My questions are; ...
A: Animal and all sacrifices ceased in 70 CE when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. ...
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| purgatory | 5/31/2007 |
Q: From what I have been reading, I am led to believe that the Jewish religion believes in some form of ...
A: Judaism is a faith that is "this-world" oriented with greater interest in how we conduct our lives ...
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| Moses | 5/30/2007 |
Q: This question is about Moses. Moses was raised by Pharohs's daughter and was treated as an Egyptian ...
A: and the subject is very complicated. The Biblical text is very cryptic. For that reason the Rabbis ...
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| jew? | 5/30/2007 |
Q: I am a 44 years old man married with a catholic lady and with 2 sons. My father was jew from melilla ...
A: A Jew is either born to a Jewish mother or converts to Judaism according to traditional rituals and ...
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| Christian attire to Jewish Funeral | 5/28/2007 |
Q: What do Christian Men and Woman wear to a Jewish Funeral? Do we wear something on our head?
A: Appropriate attire is modest, whether liberal or very traditional Jewish funeral. If the funeral is ...
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| why? | 5/28/2007 |
Q: How do bald men put on yamaca's?
A: Good question - for those of us who are balding and have very short hair! We either use kipot ...
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| 6 Day War | 5/24/2007 |
Q: Within the last year I saw an amazing documentary on television in which soldiers who fought in this ...
A: There are a variety of films aboutthe 6 Day War in 1967, including some documentaries. I have seen a ...
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| INterfaith Love | 5/20/2007 |
Q: This is a follow up to http://en.allexperts.com/q/Judaism-951/INterfaith-Love.htm How do i deal ...
A: It may be that they don't know how else to express themselves and their love for you as well as ...
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| INterfaith Love | 5/18/2007 |
Q: I am writing you after reading many articles on interfaith relationships. My boyfriend (38) and I ...
A: but your situation is far from unusual or unique. My first response is that you should immediately ...
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| Jews | 5/18/2007 |
Q: I would like you to answer my questions regarding today's Jews. Are they really Semitic? or they are ...
A: Today's Jews are a faith community, not a nationality. They are descended from men and women from ...
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| Tefilla | 5/16/2007 |
Q: Q-Re Vayikra 16:3-5…can you tell me what prayer in the Siddur corresponds to this? To do the ...
A: What is it you are seeking to understand? Chapter 16 of Leviticus becomes the basis for the Service ...
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| cemetery | 5/13/2007 |
Q: I recently visited a Jewish cemetery, and I noticed that many of the tombstones had small rocks on ...
A: Rocks are placed on tombstones today for various reasons, if only to indicate that people visited ...
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| Offering | 5/7/2007 |
Q: Q- Is this done today? If so, in what way? Leviticus 6,18 “Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, ...
A: Check out http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=496&letter=P&search=prayer The prayer ...
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| Conversion | 5/4/2007 |
Q: my name is Rafael, I am a jew and my wife is Christian, we have 3 kids a child from her previous ...
A: The simplest answer is for you to contact the Rabbi of the congregation in which you would want your ...
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| A place to worship | 5/4/2007 |
Q: I have been a devout Christian (Protestant) all my life, but I now no longer believe that Jesus is ...
A: I believe that you are correct in that not everyone needs to be a Jew, even if they are not ...
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| Offering | 5/4/2007 |
Q: Q- Is this done today? If so, in what way? Leviticus 6,18 “Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, ...
A: but there are no sacrifices for the past 1900 years since the destruction of the Second Temple in ...
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| Sanhedrin rulings | 5/4/2007 |
Q: I don't know if the last one made it. So, I will try repeat. How did the Sanhedrin vote or did ...
A: The pattern for the Sanhedrin is an extensive literature. However we wouldn't and don't use that ...
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| Israelism | 5/1/2007 |
Q: Could you explain the difference between Judaism and Israelism?
A: Judaism is a faith with which one is affiliated, to which one is committed and whose heritage is one ...
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| No music | 4/30/2007 |
Q: I listen to a Jewish radio program in my car called JM in the AM, and I noticed that for the past ...
A: There is a custom of not using or listening to music during the period of Sefirah, counting 49 days ...
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| Jewish education in the first century | 4/24/2007 |
Q: I was wondering did schools exist in Israel in the first century, or were most people taught by ...
A: There is a general consensus that young people were educated with teachers as a priority. We don't ...
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| Importance of attending shiva for relative | 4/23/2007 |
Q: We live in Atlanta, GA and my husband has a first cousin who lives in Toronto, Canada. Her ...
A: I can't offer you any advice. Clearly when and if it is "convenient" - distance and time - ...
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| Jewish law | 4/21/2007 |
Q: What is the book of the covenant referred to in Exodus? Who wrote it and when? Thank you.
A: There are two uses of the words "book of the covenant." For some it means the entire Torah=Five ...
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| uh-oh | 4/19/2007 |
Q: Shalom, My name is Shlomo and i 12 years old and am in need of serious help. I recently discovered I ...
A: I give you credit for addressing the issue and obviously doing a lot of research. It is against my ...
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| Bris | 4/18/2007 |
Q: My son is married to a non Jew. They are expecting a baby soon. It will be a boy. They are still ...
A: This should have been worked out by the couple before the marriage, and hopefully has been. A brit ...
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| Am I a Jew? | 4/16/2007 |
Q: "Hi, I am very confused over the distinction between being an ethnic Jew as opposed to an active ...
A: First of all, if you have a particular congregation in mind, make a call to the Rabbi and set up an ...
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| Passover/Haroseth | 4/6/2007 |
Q: Are you Berel Dov Lerner of Israel or a different person? What is the origin of Haroseth? It was ...
A: No, I am not that person as I live in the States. I have been confused with "Barry Dov Lerner" who ...
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| Jewish Heritage | 4/3/2007 |
Q: Hi, I'm 20 years old. I researched through your past answers, and I understand that Judaism is not a ...
A: By Jewish law for the last several thousand years, so long as one is descended matrilineally - ...
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| Zechariah 11 and Jesus | 4/2/2007 |
Q: could you please help me with this question that is troubling me. The Christians say that Zachariah ...
A: I apologize for any delay due to pneumonia. There is, from a Jewish point of view, no relationship ...
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| symbolism of the yamulka | 3/9/2007 |
Q: I had asked you about your communion participation. and what other symbols that i could take on. ...
A: Now I understand. Perhaps in searching for an example I used the wrong on in "taking communion in ...
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| Roles | 3/8/2007 |
Q: What is the difference in services before the L-RD of the Kohanim and the Levites? What role does ...
A: In the Temple, the Kohanim=priests conducted the sacrifices, while the Levites were assisting them, ...
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| symbolism of the yamulka | 3/8/2007 |
Q: Rabbi Barry I am curious as to why you chose not to respond to my other follow up questions? ...
A: I thought I had answered all your questions. If you or other Christians wish to wear a yarmulka, go ...
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| symbolism of the yamulka | 3/8/2007 |
Q: Why can one group of people practice one thing and no one else can? For example lots of people ...
A: but I would suggest that you may be over-reacting. You asked for an opinion. There is no law or ...
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| symbolism of the yamulka | 3/6/2007 |
Q: I recently have thought about wearing a yamulka, but i am very confused as to do so or not. My ...
A: Yes, it is a Jewish article of clothing, even for Jewish women these days in the liberal movements. ...
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| Kosher meats | 3/1/2007 |
Q: Sir, I am neither Jewish nor kosher,but, I have recently become concerned about the treatment of the ...
A: I've taken this time to be certain of my facts in responding to your most sensitive note. Jews from ...
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| Hebrew Name | 2/18/2007 |
Q: There is no one living in my family that can remember if I was given a Hebrew name. My son is going ...
A: First of all, your "English" or secular name is frequently used in Yiddish as a Jewish name. It is ...
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| giving gifts | 2/6/2007 |
Q: The poem that I was referring to goes like this: Wine- so that you will always have joy, Bread- so ...
A: I shall keep it in my library and I am very grateful for your response. I knew of bread and salt, ...
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| Forgiveness | 2/3/2007 |
Q: However, my question concerned locating instances in the Bible of MAN forgiving MAN, God ...
A: I wish that I were able to have the time and opportunity to do the research for you. If you use a ...
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| giving gifts | 1/31/2007 |
Q: My friends are very strong in their jewish faith. They are preparing to move into a new home and I ...
A: If they are truly observant, then the foods need to be "kosher" and must come from a kosher source. ...
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| Serpent | 1/30/2007 |
Q: Shalom R. Lerner Can you tell me when the Tanach speaks of the hebrew word "Tannim"...in these ...
A: In short, there is in my opinion no support for "tanin" to refer to either any Christian ...
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| Forgiveness | 1/29/2007 |
Q: I'm investigating the subject of forgiveness in the Old Testament. Clearly, there are numerous ...
A: and indeed it is a great question. Generally we do not respond to research or assignmensts. But this ...
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| Baptism | 1/26/2007 |
Q: I am a Penecostal man 49 years old trying to deepen my walk with God.I believe in "Here O Israel, ...
A: Yes, "immersion" was a required ritual of the Temple in Jerusalem, and they have found many "ritual ...
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| Moses | 1/25/2007 |
Q: Rabbi- I'm a Christian youth minister volunteer and I had a visitor in my Bible study tonight. ...
A: You visitor was really telling your group a legend. It does not exist in the Hebrew Scriptures at ...
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| gods | 1/23/2007 |
Q: Where does Judaism teach about the Muslim and Christian gods? Are they the same as the Jewish god, ...
A: Judaism teaches that God is one and unique. For Jews, God is not divisible in any fashion, and it is ...
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| Judaism | 1/21/2007 |
Q: At what point in biblical history did the fundamental pattern of Jewish experience emerge, and what ...
A: but this sounds like a question right out of an examination or take-home. We don't participate in ...
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| Judaism | 1/16/2007 |
Q: How does Judaism assist its adherents to achieve inner peace?
A: Jews find a great deal of inner peace, as you might expect in prayer three times a day - morning, ...
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| inviting the departed to a happy event | 1/16/2007 |
Q: Is there a custom that one goes to the cemetery to invite a departed loved one to a happy event?
A: Yes, there is a custom - not a law - that one may go to a grave of a loved one and invite them to be ...
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| Insanity | 1/13/2007 |
Q: How is the concept of insanity viewed in Judaism? What Biblical references can be quoted? Thank ...
A: This is a continuing thread and I can't add too much more. Frankly, I wonder why you are so ...
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| philo | 1/12/2007 |
Q: I have been reading the ancient writings of Philo and am trying to understand the Jewish concept of ...
A: The brief but important principle is that for at least 2000 years Jews and Judaism teaches that each ...
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| ethics | 1/7/2007 |
Q: What is the connection between law and art
A: In advance I must say that this is most complicated with various nuances in Jewish law and Jewish ...
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| Judaism and Insanity | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I'm truly humbled. Therefore, I ask my question in a different way: Please, can you tell me, in a ...
A: Sorry but a "juicy summary" shouldn't suffice for anything, even a review question for a class. ...
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| Judaism and Insanity | 1/5/2007 |
Q: Can you tell me, in as much detail as possible, how Conservative and Orthodox Judaism views ...
A: However, when you ask "for as much detail as possible" you indicate already that it is a very large ...
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| Judiasm | 1/3/2007 |
Q: What influences did Judaism have on the development of early Christianity?
A: however you are asking for a major treatise! There is far more influence than can be summarized in ...
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| Sacrifices | 12/21/2006 |
Q: Rabbi Dov, I saw an answer you gave concerning the rebuilding of the temple and was wondering if ...
A: Deatr Mark Thanks for writing. The Rabbis included those who felt that the Temple would not ever ...
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| the laws | 12/21/2006 |
Q: Rabbi; when reading the laws in Leviticus they tell us to do some very harsh things; to stone ...
A: First of all, we are citizens of countries and we are bound by the laws of the land; we may not ...
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| Question | 12/19/2006 |
Q: I am a Philosophy student and a Christian, but I am very interested in Judaism as well as ...
A: First of all, Jewish use of the term Satan is far from the Christian use. At most, A solid summary ...
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| love | 12/15/2006 |
Q: I've been asking about love, what is the love that the Torah speaks about, we're supposed to love ...
A: This love of which you speak is a real theological challenge. The love for one's neighbor is really ...
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| Converting to Judaism | 12/8/2006 |
Q: I am interested in converting to Judaism. I want to be a Conservative Jew. Where do I go in ...
A: I'm contacting colleagues in Chicago to determine who teaches in the Hillel School. Please contact ...
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| God | 11/19/2006 |
Q: I wonder if the bible is really an inspired work , any more than other great poetry or philosophy. ...
A: On re-reading my answer and your question, I see that I neglected the first part. For myself, the ...
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| Judaism | 11/16/2006 |
Q: how many people follow Judaism
A: I googled the topic myself and found the following information as of 2005. Best wishes Rabbi Dov ...
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| Sacrafice of animals | 11/15/2006 |
Q: When did the Jewish religion stop sacrificing animals and why
A: ALREADY ANSWERED Dear John, Thanks for writing. When the Second Temple was destroyed by Rome for ...
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| regarding hand shakes of rabbi | 11/13/2006 |
Q: Why cant you give a rabbi a hand shake or can you.
A: There is a traditional modesty that many Jews still observe, one aspect of which is not touching = ...
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| Conversion with tatoo | 11/11/2006 |
Q: Good Morning my friend, Upon my journey in discovering the Jewish people and my hopes of ...
A: Conservative conversion would not be denied to you because of tatoos, nor would any other status as ...
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| Evil | 11/10/2006 |
Q: I am a member of a Conservative Congregation, 90 years of age and taking courses at a Community ...
A: I translate the term to mean the "inclination to do evil" defined for me as opposed to God's will ...
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| Catholic Student Assignment Question | 11/9/2006 |
Q: I am 13 and go to a Catholic Jr High in Missouri. During our religion class we are encouraged to ...
A: but we don't answer questions from exams. The messiah in Jewish terms was to occur just after the ...
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| Various | 11/7/2006 |
Q: Shalom R. Lerner, I was hoping you could help me with these questions I have? Q1 -Is it possible ...
A: , Thanks for writing. I thought I had written earlier. What is the basis for these questions. We ...
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| housewarming traditions - bread and salt | 10/30/2006 |
Q: I read your answer to the question about a housewarming gift of salt and bread (oh, I'm sorry, they ...
A: The meanings seem to be shared in a variety of cultures. Rabbi Dov We've heard two versions, and ...
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| Jewish beliefs | 9/22/2006 |
Q: Rabbi Lerner, First allow me to thank you for providing this service! I was in discussion w/ a ...
A: Indeed most modern or liberal Jews do emphasize "this world" rather than the "world to come." More ...
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| driving on Shabbos | 9/20/2006 |
Q: How about flipping on lights or adjusting the AC? Are these also permitted by some? How about use of ...
A: Electricity in mnay opinions of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards is permitted. As I ...
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| Halal equal to Kosher? | 9/17/2006 |
Q: I have heard that from the Muslim viewpoint, Kosher meat is acceptable for Muslims to eat, as meat ...
A: No, Hallal does not meet the standards of kosher slaughter, butchering or preparing meat. Yes, you ...
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| driving on Shabbos | 9/17/2006 |
Q: I recently received a magazine in the mail from the Conservative. I was surprised to find that they ...
A: All of my student peers were Shomer Shabbat, including not driving on Shabbat. I don't recall that ...
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| Evil eye | 9/12/2006 |
Q: Do the jewish people,as a whole believe in the "evil eye?" And if so what is the Evil Eye??
A: I wish I knew the answer. No educated Jew believes in magic, in superstition, etc. The "evil eye" ...
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| moving into a new home | 9/5/2006 |
Q: Rabbi: What is the Jewish tradition for someone who is moving into a new home? I think the custom ...
A: David, Thanks for writing. The Jewish custom is to take to the home bread and salt. The broom is ...
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| Does Israel Accept Reform / Conserv Convert? | 9/3/2006 |
Q: I realize my mom is Jewish, and out of fear all of the records were lost and destroyed after her dad ...
A: What makes you concerned that your Mother or Grandmother might not be consdered Jewish in anyone's ...
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| business custome | 8/29/2006 |
Q: I am meeting with an orthodox business man to negotiate a commercial real estate deal. I would like ...
A: You re obviously a thoughtful and sensitive person. No, I would not suggest bringing anything to ...
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| yamulka or kippa | 8/23/2006 |
Q: i am jew ,I grow up as a conservative actually my family and i assist to a reform sinagoga,in the ...
A: In my experience, in Jewish tradition single men don't wear a tallit and single women don't cover ...
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| Daily Reading | 8/20/2006 |
Q: I just got my 2007 Conservative calendar and noted a daily reading of some sort. Some from Torah and ...
A: I'm delighted that you are receiving the calendar, as my wife and I were the creators and editors ...
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| Conservatism | 8/15/2006 |
Q: Rabbi Dov, I guess I was not aware of the extent of the animosity between Conservatism and Orthodoxy ...
A: Please don't impute general animosity, although - for example - there are a number of Orthodox ...
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| 10-603 | 8/14/2006 |
Q: As always, thank you for your time! What do you believe is the relationship between the Decalogue ...
A: I appreciate the fact that you are writing. However, please remember that this is a Conservative ...
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| Feast of Tabernacle | 8/13/2006 |
Q: Age: 35 years Religious affiliation: Non-denominatinal, Charsmatic I have heard that during ...
A: In short, the answer is yes. The Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah, 5:1-4 For the Simchat Beit HaShoaevah, ...
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| miracles during the 67 war | 7/5/2006 |
Q: ..i am a Deacon in the Roman Catholic faith who has always believed strongly that the JEWISH PEOPLE ...
A: There are many legends and personal accounts of the 6 Day War in 1967 if only because it was still ...
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| Judiasm Religion | 7/3/2006 |
Q: What are the top two current issues facing the Judiasm religion today?
A: Every teacher, Rabbi and involved Jew would have different answers. In my own opinion, among the ...
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| Deut. 15:35 | 7/3/2006 |
Q: Rabbi, Thank you for your follow-up answer. As a closing thought, I find it interesting that, as ...
A: I appreciate your kind - albeit slightly patronizing :-) - comments, although I had sensed you are ...
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| Deut. 15:35 | 7/2/2006 |
Q: Rabbi, Right you are, should have been Numbers, not Deuteronomy. What was his crime? Do you find it ...
A: The Talmud in Shabbat, see 73b and 96b, discusses exactly your question. They suggest that the ...
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| animal sacrifice | 6/27/2006 |
Q: I am a 39 year old practicing christian. My father and I were discussing the laws of judaism the ...
A: There are really two separate issues here. The first is that animal sacrifice could only take place ...
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| Conversion Help | 6/27/2006 |
Q: Do I have a pickle for you. My husband and I are living in Okinawa, Japan. My husband is the lay ...
A: To be honest, I am trying to set up distance education course for conversion. The challenge to such ...
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| Deut. 15:35 | 6/26/2006 |
Q: Rabbi, What was the man's crime in Deut. 15:35? The 'traditional' explainations don't seem to make ...
A: The text to which you are referring I imagine is really inNumbers and not Deutronomy. In any event, ...
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| Prayer | 6/20/2006 |
Q: You seem very sensible and I would like to follow up with one last question. Could you please ...
A: As a Jew I believe that we have free will, without limits. We have the capacity even to ...
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| Prayer | 6/20/2006 |
Q: I recently read Rabbi Kushner's book When Bad Things Happen to Good People. I understand his logic ...
A: While you have identified that in both situations one is praying "for" nonetheless there is a ...
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| do the jews believe in jesus as the messiah | 6/19/2006 |
Q: alright, i already know the answer to this which i believe is no. as far as i know the jews ...
A: Sometimes it takes the opinion of a third person to convince a friend. Jews do not believe that ...
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| ------- | 6/17/2006 |
Q: Some people from the Bible/Torah, such as Solomon, Abraham, and Jacob had multiple wives, ...
A: Strange as it sounds, yes. There were laws and rules in the culture in early Israelite history, and ...
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| tabernacle | 6/15/2006 |
Q: Rabbi Lerner My question concerns the tabernacle. Exodus says that the tabernacle was 150 feet by ...
A: You've raised a wonderful and fascinating issue. Most of the dimensions described in the ancient ...
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| Consrvative Judaism | 6/12/2006 |
Q: What are the main features of conservative Judaism??
A: Unfortunately, it is a very complicated question with many nuances. In brief we are (1) an ...
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| Pentacost | 6/9/2006 |
Q: Rabbi, First, thank you for taking the time to consider this question. I am a Non-Denominational ...
A: If you wish to read up on Pentecost (Shavuot or the Festival of Weeks) in the Jewish tradition, try ...
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| Jurisdiction of Beth Din | 5/30/2006 |
Q: I have a dispute with a Ukrainian government official, a Jew, and would opt for a rabbinical court. ...
A: I must advise you to contact someone who is familiar with both local, secular law and also its ...
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| American Judaism | 5/22/2006 |
Q: Rav Lerner, There are hundreds of hispanic radio stations, thousand christian radio stations, black ...
A: While I appreciate your observation, may I respond as follows: 1. Although you speak out of a ...
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| Purpose | 5/16/2006 |
Q: I am a student of religion and was wondering if you could help me. Could you explain, in a couple ...
A: I can only answer personally as this is too broad and deep a question in terms of philosophy. ...
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| Shalom | 5/8/2006 |
Q: Your profile was interesting. Can you tell me the difference, between orthodox, ultra orthodox, ...
A: Orthodox and ultra-orthodx Jews are fundamentalists in terms of written law of the Five Books of ...
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| origin of "Jewish mother" rule for Jewish identity | 5/8/2006 |
Q: In an internet forum, a reader of a recent Ha'aretz piece, Shmuel Rosner's "The mystery of the fifth ...
A: The first issue is the determination of Jewish identity based upon birth to a Jewish mother. It is ...
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| please reply... | 5/8/2006 |
Q: I am sorry to bother you, I have an important question that had busy my thought for a long time. As ...
A: However, I could never advise anyone to do which is illegal and against the law of one's heritage. ...
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| Please Help Im so confused :-( | 4/21/2006 |
Q: I am 26 yr old male from the U.K AM I jewish? I have not been bought up as jewish but maybe want ...
A: First of all, I would urge you to speak with a local Rabbi who should be able to assist you more ...
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| Alcohol during Passover (?) | 4/10/2006 |
Q: I belong to a "Gourmet Club" in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Our mandate is to understand the world ...
A: Interesting question. Thanks. Plum brandy is available and is marked on the label - Kosher for ...
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| why are we here? Ya know,... | 4/5/2006 |
Q: why are we here? Ya know, why do we exsist? is there a meaning of life?
A: You are asking a profound question, frankly beyond my ability to answer for you. I can only answer ...
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| Would an All Powerful God Permit Our Evil World?? | 3/29/2006 |
Q: I hope you will consider a further inquiry. You state that "there is a universal force for good, ...
A: Passover is almost here and I must admit that I am pressed, but I wanted to respond albeit briefly. ...
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| Would an All Powerful God Permit Our Evil World?? | 3/24/2006 |
Q: I am a 35 year old male, born to two Conservative to Reformed Jewish parents. I'm a lawyer and ...
A: It would appear that you have a full plate from which to ask about the "justice" or "goodness" of ...
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| Abraham | 3/22/2006 |
Q: Please can you tell me what you know about Abraham. I know about the story when he wants a child, ...
A: whether we are talking about what the Hebrew Scriptures actually state or the stories that have been ...
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| religion | 3/21/2006 |
Q: What is your religion ? in your opinion what is religion ? in your opinion what is Faith ? Has ...
A: but it sounds as though this is a class assignment. I remind everyone that we don't participate in ...
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| lineage | 3/13/2006 |
Q: How is the heritage passed down, through a person's mother or father?
A: If you are acking whether the Jewish community consideres someone to be Jewish, they can choose to ...
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| Term Paper | 3/9/2006 |
Q: I am doing a term paper on Judaism and need to ask a few questions to finish my paper. Would you be ...
A: but our policy is not to work with students on their research papers. That needs to be an ...
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| Jews and Jesus | 3/6/2006 |
Q: I wondered who Jews believe Jesus was? Do they believe he was a prophet, never existed, or an evil ...
A: It is impossible for me to represent all Jews and Judaism. For an academic response which is ...
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| cultural beliefs that affect health | 2/24/2006 |
Q: my name is brenda, i am a nursing student in pampa tx. i am doing some reasearch about judaism and ...
A: In terms of assisting Jewish patients, the specturm of observance is very wide. The only way one can ...
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| Hebrew names on grave monuments | 2/19/2006 |
Q: My aunt passed away last april and I am now looking for a monument for her grave. What I need is the ...
A: From the perspective of teaching, there is not always an exact correlation between the English and ...
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