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Orthodox Judaism/Questions Answered by Expert Ovadiah ben Avraham
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Sodom | 1/5/2012 |
| Q: G_d bless you rabbi, I have been very troubled about Gen. 18-19 about Sodom and Lot. What was ... A: Don, You ask some very compelling questions. The rabbinic understanding of the sins of Sodom have ... | |
| marriage | 11/25/2011 |
| Q: My husband has developed a relationship with a divorced woman. They say it is only a friendship. ... A: Since half of the world's population is the opposite sex, only ultra-Orthodox individuals shun any ... | |
| Daniel 9 | 11/2/2011 |
| Q: anointedAfter reviewing several answers to questions regarding the messiah in verses 26-27, I am ... A: Connie, Thank you for your kind question and interest. First you need to understand that our two ... | |
| kosher cappuccino | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: Do you know if flavored coffee, and in particular flavored cappuccino, from stores like 7/11, Wawa, ... A: David, Thank you for the kind question. As you probably are already aware, most regular, unflavored ... | |
| What to do? | 7/3/2011 |
| Q: What is the proper response when missionaries approach us and tell us that they are worried for our ... A: David, You ask a very interesting and sensitive question. I think most of us just thank them and ... | |
| general question | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you can answer this or not. I know being Jewish refers to a person's religion, but ... A: Danielle, Thank you for your kind question. I have changed it to public (rather than private) since ... | |
| Change | 3/12/2011 |
| Q: What determines my success and failure in life? Is it my own performance and actions? God? or other ... A: Karam, G-d gives us the (human) ability to improve our lot and helps propel us along the way once we ... | |
| messiah | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: WHo does the messiah redeem? jews or all people? A: Zack, Thank you for your kind question. You asked: Who does messiah redeem, Jews or all people. ... | |
| Coveting | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: In this week’s Torah reading, G-d makes the promise that no one will covet our land while we are on ... A: Carlo, Thank you for your kind question. It seems I answered something like your question ... | |
| Chosen People | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: Does this concept of being chosen get in the way and cause more trouble than it's worth? A: Joel, Thank you for your kind question. Indeed, the concept of the Jews being the "Chosen People" ... | |
| Esau's wicked deeds | 1/9/2011 |
| Q: G_d bless you rabbi, I heard that Jewish tradition says that God took Abraham from this world 5 ... A: Donald, Thank you for your kind question. I am not familiar with the tradition you mention, but this ... | |
| Solomon (again) | 11/16/2010 |
| Q: how many times in the torah does a prophet come to warn israel of their sins only to have them not ... A: Peter, Good morning! I thought perhaps we had made some progress on this subject since I had not ... | |
| proverb 21:16 | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: "A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead." ... A: "A man who strays from the path of prudence will rest in the company of ghosts" Wisdom literature ... | |
| Vegetarian kosher? | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: firstly, apologies for letting my mental illness seep through. painful days. BUT, though you are ... A: Peter, I first want to address the interpersonal relationship issue and then I will address your ... | |
| hey man | 8/18/2010 |
| Q: hey man what does jewish people beleive to be the meaning of life much respect jamie A: Jamie, Hey man! Ah, the meaning of life...great question. Man was initially created as a companion ... | |
| oaths and vows... | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: according to the torah's definitions of the terms, is there a difference between an oath and a vow? ... A: Glad to be of assistance. I heard once that an airplane is off course most of the time it is in the ... | |
| oaths and vows... | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: according to the torah's definitions of the terms, is there a difference between an oath and a vow? ... A: Peter, You are getting hung up on the minutiae. Ritual purity is not currently an issue since we ... | |
| conatmination | 8/16/2010 |
| Q: i've touched a dead ladybug. according to the old written law, have i become contaminated?? (i ... A: Peter, Are you Jewish? If so, you seem to be grasping at straws and wallowing in legalism. If not, ... | |
| New Covenant | 7/20/2010 |
| Q: I know as a Jew you believe in the old covenant and old testmant. Why then don't you believe in the ... A: Anthony, Thank you for your kind question. I guess one of the first problems we are going to run ... | |
| I AM THE WAY | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT. NO MAN COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT BY ME! I WORRY FOR YOUR SOUL. WON'T YOU ... A: Peter, You are the inquisitive one. I am too. Thank you for your concern, but there is really no ... | |
| solomon | 7/16/2010 |
| Q: the torah says that if there comes a prophet who says "come let us follow other gods" you have to ... A: Peter, You are right! Life is very meaningful and, as Jews, we try to live out this life each day in ... | |
| Levites | 7/11/2010 |
| Q: Can you help me understand if a Levite was only a priest when they did their duty in the temple? ... A: Don, I believe you are mixing several time periods together in your questions. The Levites, Kohanim ... | |
| Levites | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: Can you help me understand if a Levite was only a priest when they did their duty in the temple? ... A: Don, Thank you for your kind question. I was away for Shabbos, so please forgive the tardiness of my ... | |
| Is Zionism bad for Judaism | 6/25/2010 |
| Q: I have kept this question private as I do not feel it appropriate for us to air our laundry in ... A: Not at all. Before the holocaust, many Orthodox Jews were strongly opposed to Zionism, believing the ... | |
| Is Zionism bad for Judaism | 6/24/2010 |
| Q: I have kept this question private as I do not feel it appropriate for us to air our laundry in ... A: Joel, Thank you for the kind question. I have changed it to public for two reasons. First, I believe ... | |
| rocks | 5/3/2010 |
| Q: Why do Jews place rocks rather than flowers at the grave-sitey? A: John, Thank you for your question. I believe there are several reasons Jews place a rock rather than ... | |
| eating habits | 3/9/2010 |
| Q: Is it a fact that when the master of the house sat down to eat that once he finish eating he would ... A: Clyde, I have seen this question in several similar forms throughout the years and at least one ... | |
| suicide... | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: excluding the talmud, what does just the torah say about suicide? i know that Saul and his servant ... A: Peter, The Sixth Commandment prohibits murder, including of one's self. Yes it is against G-d's will ... | |
| Noachide laws | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: How can we know the Noachide laws are actually divine rather than just made up by the Rabbis? A: Very good question. I love to see people asking tough questions rather than just taking whatever ... | |
| G_d is a Spirit | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: I hope this question doesn't sound stupid. But in reading the Torah I am confused. G_d is a spirit ... A: Don, Excellent question. Simply answered, the anthropomorphisms in the Torah are used for 2 ... | |
| Why is christianity successful? | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: As an observant Jew, I'm troubled with the fact that Christianity is so successful. What gives? A: Donna, Thank you for your kind question. I believe the answer is simply that G-d forewarned us that ... | |
| Shivah | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: Is it permissible for a Christian woman wearing pants and no hat to visit an Orthodox Jewish friend ... A: Donna, Thank you for the kind question and for your compassion at this family's loss. A sh'va visit ... | |
| shaving and wigs | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: I heard from a friend that there used to be an evil decree in Europe and Russia that every Jewish ... A: Yakov, I'm sorry, but I know nothing of the story you've described above. As you know already, ... | |
| pedophilia | 12/25/2009 |
| Q: I've only heard anti-Semites claim Judaism approves of pedophilia. Is this true? A: Nathan, I have no idea what you've heard so I can't tell you or anyone else that what you heard is ... | |
| on vegetarianism (part2) | 12/24/2009 |
| Q: but it says the sin is to pick up fruit fallen to the floor. surely then the sin lies with the ... A: Peter, For a food to be kosher it must pass certain requirements. Animals must be slaughtered in a ... | |
| vegetarianism... | 12/23/2009 |
| Q: is it true that if you are a vegetarian you are 100% kosher 100% of the time? also, is it legal to ... A: 9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corner of thy field, ... | |
| vegetarianism... | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: is it true that if you are a vegetarian you are 100% kosher 100% of the time? also, is it legal to ... A: Pete, This is a social issue rather than a dietary one per se, however the laws regarding this ... | |
| vegetarianism... | 12/22/2009 |
| Q: is it true that if you are a vegetarian you are 100% kosher 100% of the time? also, is it legal to ... A: Peter, Good question. All vegetables and fruits are kosher so long as 1) They are not crossbreeds ... | |
| shaving with a razor | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: "Hi Rabbi: According to jewish law, where on a mans face and neck can he shave with a razor and ... A: Seth, Another expert has already answered the majority of your question, so I shant re-invent the ... | |
| jewish burial laws | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I believe Jewish law says a person must be buried whole. If a person has had an amputation or an ... A: Judy, Thank you for the kind question. In general, Jews are buried the same day they pass away and ... | |
| Messiah | 12/2/2009 |
| Q: In Isaiah 52 it states that G-d Himself will reign in Zion during the last days, so why does He send ... A: David, This question has been 'asked and answered' already by another expert. Think of it this way: ... | |
| a question on divination.... | 12/1/2009 |
| Q: i've read two different versions of the Torah, and in one version it said "do not go into the ... A: Peter, Thank you for your kind question. The meaning of the commandment is not to seek the advice ... | |
| on discharges and acne.. | 11/18/2009 |
| Q: in the torah there a few rues concerning the uncleanliness of discharges. Does puss from a popped ... A: Peter, Thanks for your kind question. The discharges generally spoken about in the Torah come from ... | |
| nazirite obstinance... | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: what is it that a nazirite has to obstain from? does coffee count because it is partly fermented, ... A: Han, While I appreciate your zeal, you are putting the cart way before the horse. You are not even ... | |
| period cleanliness.... | 8/5/2009 |
| Q: seven days after a womans period she is unclean and everything she touches is unclean. do i become ... A: Han, The rules of Niddah are quite in-depth and require consultation with a Rabbi. This is one of ... | |
| sacrifice and conversion.... | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering why it is that the jewish people do not carry out the sacrificial laws in the old ... A: Hon, Conversion to Judaism is a lengthy process and a lifetime commitment. It takes years of study ... | |
| sacrifice and conversion.... | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I was wondering why it is that the jewish people do not carry out the sacrificial laws in the old ... A: Han, Thank you for your question. Deuteronomy 12:11 is clear that the sacrifices can only take place ... | |
| testing God... | 7/28/2009 |
| Q: It is a sin to test God but i am having trouble knowing what this means! does it mean to ask God ... A: Vows and oaths are permitted by the Torah (Numbers 30) so long as they are not extreme, such as in ... | |
| testing God... | 7/27/2009 |
| Q: It is a sin to test God but i am having trouble knowing what this means! does it mean to ask God ... A: Tempting G-d means to do something silly or foolhardy and expect G-d to save you (ie stepping on the ... | |
| the holidays.... | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: i am what you would call a practicing gentile who merely desires peace with the other religions, as ... A: Jake, Thank you for your kind question. Righteous Gentiles may keep most of the holy days at least ... | |
| the death penalty... | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: under what laws in torah does it justify jewish men not carrying out the death penalty for crimes ... A: Jake, Torah law (Deut. 17:6) requires two eye witnesses for someone to be put to death for a capital ... | |
| Orthodox Jewish Burial | 6/4/2009 |
| Q: Is it acceptable under the Law to bury two family members in the same plot, Mother above Son? A: Paul, Thank you for the kind and interesting question. I was unable to find any specific ruling on ... | |
| Birth | 5/23/2009 |
| Q: I am a nursing student, and am trying to find Jewish laws and customs as it relates to pregnancy and ... A: Johnie, Thank you for your kind question and obvious sensitivity. Nursing seems a great calling for ... | |
| Noahide Laws | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: I am currently taking Judaism classes online with a Rabbi. I love Judaism, every aspect of it and I ... A: Sam, It sounds as though you have given your decision a lot of thought. Based on your situation, I ... | |
| Sacrifice | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: What is the meaning of the sacrifical laws in ancient Israel? Many christians claim that it ... A: Samil, Thank you for your question. Simply stated: 1) The sacrifices cleansed the Temple from the ... | |
| posek | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: What is the difference between a posek and a rabbi? A: Zack, A Rabbi is a religious leader in Judaism who generally leads a congregation and make legal ... | |
| some questions on idolatry... | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: coming soon there is a film called "Where the wild Things Are." In this film, people wear big ... A: The key to idolatry is worship and/or spirituality. Items produced or used for reasons other than ... | |
| PLEASE accept Jesus | 3/10/2009 |
| Q: Won't you please accept Jesus and be washed in his blood? A: Below is an article I wrote on the question of blood atonement from the perspective of "Is blood ... | |
| Why Jews hate Jesus | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: Why do the Jews hate Jesus so much? ANSWER: Tony, I have generally stopped accepting Jesus ... A: Not exactly. It is indeed Jesus (or probably better said the writings of Paul) that separates our ... | |
| Why Jews hate Jesus | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: Why do the Jews hate Jesus so much? A: Tony, I have generally stopped accepting Jesus questions because it seems that they have all been ... | |
| Messiah prophecies | 1/22/2009 |
| Q: Rav, Saw where you answered the following question with a reference to a previous answer: Could you ... A: John: Respectfully, that makes no sense whatsoever. It would be like calling Obama Mister President ... | |
| halacha's on a convert | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: Is there a halacha that says a person who converted to authentic orthodox Judaism cannot marry a ... A: Not that I am aware of specifically. However, an Orthodox Jew is not permitted to marry a Gentile ... | |
| Jesus | 1/2/2009 |
| Q: With all the proof that Jesus is the messiah, why do you chose to still reject him? He was crucified ... A: John, Thank you for your kind question. I might ask you the converse: Since Jesus did not fulfill ... | |
| laser hair removal | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: Is laser hair removal halachically permissible for Jewish men? I have always been very ... A: Jason, I know of no ruling of halakhah which prohibits Jewish men or women from undergoing hair ... | |
| Servants or Slaves? | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I do not read Hebrew, But I have a semantic question. In one popular english version of the ... A: Samuel (great name= "G-d heard"), And great question. I think the answer is both although perhaps ... | |
| you probably get this alot.. | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: but sex with ones wife for pleasure: sin or no sin? if considered a sin, is this a law of G-D 100% ... A: Peter, Thank you for the kind question. Marital relations with one's spouse are permitted regardless ... | |
| Pork | 10/16/2008 |
| Q: I have read about Somali Muslims who have refused to handle pork in their jobs. Is there anything in ... A: Touching the carcass of an unclean beast results in ritual impurity (and would prohibit entry into ... | |
| Swimming | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: I remember reading somewhere that Jewish Law obliges a parent to teach its child to swim. Am I ... A: Martin, Good question. Yes, the Talmud does teach the parent's obligation to teach his or her ... | |
| Anointing with oil | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: I'm studying the Bible and want to know more about the anointing of oil from a Jewish perspective. ... A: Dave, Thank you for the kind question. The anointing oil was only used by Moses in anointing the ... | |
| troubled... | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: solomon says that if you hide your hatred, you get a lying tongue. I do not want to lie, and i do ... A: Unfortunately bad things happen to good people. Know that G-d doesn't give us more than we can ... | |
| Cohen, Levite, or Yisrael? | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: I know that Biblical Jews were Cohen, Levite, or Yisrael and that all of today's Jews are descending ... A: Steve, Thank you for your kind question. Sorry I couldn't get to it until now (after Sabbath). The ... | |
| masterbation | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: What do you do if you purposely or accidently masturbate? I know you can do teshuvah but is there ... A: Max, Good question. I suspect many others may have the same question, but are embarrassed to ask it. ... | |
| Adultery | 12/30/2007 |
| Q: I'm confused. I just don't understand how Mosaic Law worked 2000 years ago. When a man and a ... A: Alex, It is man's standards and punishments that have changed, not God's. If a man and a women were ... | |
| tithing | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: In Judaism are members required to tithe (give 10% od their incomes) to the synagogue? -Josh A: Joshua, Thanks for your kind question. When the Temple stood, Jews were required to give a portion ... | |
| Talmud | 10/24/2007 |
| Q: "Hi, This question does deal a bit with medical ethics. I hope you can help me with this. I have ... A: Joshua, I have not read the book so you will have to pardon my ignorance as to its contents. One ... | |
| Veil | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: Q- Can you tell me: -Why were they afraid to approach Moses? -What was the purpose of the veil ... A: This passage is perhaps one of the most cryptic in the Torah and very little is actually known about ... | |
| Medical question | 8/6/2007 |
| Q: I have a medical question. My colleague and I do infection control for this facility. We have been ... A: Perhaps you should not fault me for not being able to read your mind (as your 2 questions are very ... | |
| Carrying and ERUV | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: Reading up I came across and article which states: "Carrying in a private home is permitted on the ... A: R, You are correct, the transfer of articles between domains is Rabbinically prohibited. Many mid ... | |
| orthodox women | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: i hav a lot of orthodox jews living in my area in london, (i think they are hassidic, though im not ... A: Lila, Thanks for the kind follow up. Your comparrison with Islam women is a good one. We were at ... | |
| orthodox women | 6/18/2007 |
| Q: i hav a lot of orthodox jews living in my area in london, (i think they are hassidic, though im not ... A: Lila, Thank you for the kind question. Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox women cover their hair with a wig ... | |
| Abortion | 6/16/2007 |
| Q: i was just wondering if you would be able to help me with Jewish views on abortion.Do Orthodox and ... A: Joshua, Thank you for your question. There is probably no significant difference in the way an ... | |
| Sun around Earth | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: Does the Torah say the Sun revolves around the Earth? A: Norman, The Torah does not say that the sun revolves around the earth.The two words are used ... | |
| mitzvot | 5/30/2007 |
| Q: i once heard that there's such a thing as a travel mitzvah, where i give a dollar to a friend who is ... A: Lev, Thanks for your kind question. Judaism has a tradition that HaShem protects the messanger on a ... | |
| Oil | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: Q-Re Shemot 30, 31… Is this done today also, if so how? 30 And thou shalt anoint Aaron and his ... A: Since the destruction of the Second Temple, we have lost the direct lineal descent of the Kohanim. ... | |
| Offerings for anyone? | 5/9/2007 |
| Q: Q-Re: Bamidbar 28:2-10, Hashem commands Moshe to instruct the “Children of Israel”to remember His ... A: Roni, The proper recitation of the sacrifices is found in the daily and special prayers. Sinve the ... | |
| Service 3 | 4/17/2007 |
| Q: Q-I was wondering.. is it forbidden for a non-jew, a messianic non-jew that is to: -wear a tallit ... A: Perhaps unauthorized fire would be a better English translation: an offering that is strange to ... | |
| Service 2 | 4/16/2007 |
| Q: Q-I was wondering.. is it forbidden for a non-jew, a messianic non-jew that is to: -wear a tallit ... A: You ask some great questions! I get so many homework questions and your instead make me think and do ... | |
| Service | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: Q-I was wondering.. is it forbidden for a non-jew, a messianic non-jew that is to: -wear a tallit ... A: As luck would have it, they are the subject of this week's Parshah (Sh’mini-Leviticus 9:1-11:47),so ... | |
| Service | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Q-I was wondering.. is it forbidden for a non-jew, a messianic non-jew that is to: -wear a tallit ... A: R, Thank you for the kind questions! Halakhah prohibits #2,3,4 and 6 above. Any one may cover their ... | |
| what's with the G-d | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: On a previous thread there was constant use of G-d instead of just typing God which is so much ... A: David, I didn't see where you ever picked up the answer to your question. Here's a repeat just in ... | |
| Pre-Pesach Matzah | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: perhaps you can help me in my study. As we are in the midst of Pesach right now, I came across this ... A: Eli, Thank you for the kind question! I think the answer lies in the sharp demarcation between ... | |
| Chametz | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: The Torah says that "No chametz can be found in all our dwelling place... -So can you tell me if ... A: R, I certainly don't mind your questions, but sometimes there is no substitute for a more personal ... | |
| conversion Q2 | 3/26/2007 |
| Q: Q-If a person who is “considering” conversion one day based on his/her learning, studying, observing ... A: As I said, it seems like it was considered a choice time to convert and certainly becoming ... | |
| conversion Q | 3/23/2007 |
| Q: Q-If a person who is “considering” conversion one day based on his/her learning, studying, observing ... A: When the Passover offering was made, only Jews (either native-born or convert) could partake in it. ... | |
| Prayers | 3/19/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know which prayers "halachically" a jewish woman must specifically say on a daily ... A: Halakhah generally relieves women of time-oriented mitzvoth due to their responsibilities in raising ... | |
| Halachah | 3/14/2007 |
| Q: Can you help me understand "why" in Judaism, couples whether (married)or otherwise are not allowed ... A: Modesty is a key element of Judaism and its expression becomes more obvious the more 'orthodox' one ... | |
| Blessings | 3/12/2007 |
| Q: It is said in "halachah" you are to -Answer Amen immediately after hearing a blessing being ... A: You only amen blessings said correctly by other people. By saying amen you are voicing agreement. As ... | |
| Temple offerings | 3/8/2007 |
| Q: Q-If these are to be “perpetual offering”, how are they replaced today by the sons of Aaron? Will ... A: You asked, "If these are to be “perpetual offering”, how are they replaced today by the sons of ... | |
| The Jewish State | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: Just one more question. Reguarding law; When you say when "observant Israel is in her ownland, ... A: Marc, You have a good rational mind. Your questions are logical and not burdensome. No. Actually ... | |
| the laws | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: but I do have a follow up. You say we do not practice the criminal laws that are spelled out in the ... A: Marc, Just like we can't bring the sacrifices in the absence of the Temple, neither can the death ... | |
| the laws | 12/21/2006 |
| Q: when reading the laws of Leviticus, they tell very strict things; theys tell us to stone ... A: Marc, Thanks for your question. The criminal laws are only to be observed in the Israeli Theocracy, ... | |
| Talmud question | 12/1/2006 |
| Q: It's after 6:00 PM on Saturday, so I hope I am not interupting your shabbat. I am a student of a ... A: George, Great question. You are correct in the asnwer as well: No, "to hate one's enemies" is not ... | |
| Can we say the "C" word? | 11/27/2006 |
| Q: There are several Jewish people in my company that all come from diverse backgrounds. One claims ... A: As a follow-up, using the 'C' word, in many Christian's minds, may indicate our acceptance of Jesus ... | |
| Jewish People | 11/22/2006 |
| Q: I have been assossciated with Jewish people at many levels over a number of years, and my ... A: Bob, I appreciate your question and support. There are numerous opinions concerning your question. I ... | |
| scepter | 11/7/2006 |
| Q: In Genesis 49:10 the Bible says “The scepter shall not pass from Judah until Shiloh come.” Doesn’t ... A: You ask an interesting question. The scepter, obviously, refers to the king and most agree that ... | |
| Blood | 10/25/2006 |
| Q: I'm wondering what Judaism says about this.. "Q- Lev 17:10 says... "And whatsoever man [there ... A: Roni, Thank you for your question. I have commented on this subject before, so you may want to look ... | |
| How do we know if the Milk we drink is Kosher? | 10/19/2006 |
| Q: Please Read this article (start on 3rd paragraph) atthe following link ... A: Boaz, You ask an interesting question! While I do not generally agree with many of the legal ... | |
| Use of Blood | 10/4/2006 |
| Q: my name is Marek Libuda. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. While reading your post on the use of ... A: I think I found the discussion you were referring to. It was from a member of your faith who called ... | |
| Moshiach | 10/3/2006 |
| Q: I read over this article on the website on Aish.com carefully and I have these questions... I need ... A: 1) Can you point to the reference that prophecy can ONLY exist in Israel when all the Jewish people ... | |
| Rabbi's/Right Hand | 9/27/2006 |
| Q: My sociology professor said that until just recently rabbi's had to be right handed? I have never ... A: Interesting question. I know of no such requirement today, but likewise have never seen anyone read ... | |
| god | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: How come on jewish websites the word god is like g-d? A: You pose an excellent and common question. The Ten Commandments admonish us not to use G-d's Name in ... | |
| wearing a beard | 8/11/2006 |
| Q: I have been asked to furnish a letter from my rabbi in order to wear a beard as a Jew. Can you give ... A: Randy, It will be difficult for you to get such a letter from someone who does not know you ... | |
| Rape in Judaism | 7/14/2006 |
| Q: Is a rape victim required to forgive a rapist in Judaism? How much of a crime is rape seen in ... A: There is no requirement for a victim to forgive his/her rapist, or anyone else for that matter who ... | |
| Used home Meat & Dairy kitchen | 7/8/2006 |
| Q: In a home used by a non-jewish family previously. Can a new Orthedox Jew re-use elements of the ... A: A quick afterthought. A small gift cup or basket with kosher candies (ie kisses, Reese's Pieces) ... | |
| I have 3 questions - the first is below! | 7/8/2006 |
| Q: I am not of the Jewish faith - in fact I am a Born Again Christian. I am honored to potentially be ... A: I applaud your desire to learn the customs and beliefs of the Jewish People. We are all blessed and ... | |
| Jurisdiction of Beth Din | 5/31/2006 |
| Q: I have a dispute with a Ukrainian government official, a Jew, and would opt for a rabbinical court. ... A: I think, given the circumstances you have cited, the Jewish Bes Din would not have jurisdiction over ... | |
| 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: Let me pose a few questions which will better help me answer your1) Are you Jewish? 2) Do you live ... | |
| Rental returns | 3/21/2006 |
| Q: I have a movie out that we haven't watched yet. It is a 3 day rental and is due back today. The ... A: John, The fact that the lender does not charge interest (late fees) is indeed gracious on their ... | |
| Door | 2/28/2006 |
| Q: Could you please tell me what the name and purpose of the smaal wooden box attached to entrances to ... A: Robert, Mozel tov on your efforts to embrace your heritage. The boxes are called mezuzot (singular= ... | |
| The Preexistence of the Soul | 2/10/2006 |
| Q: My question pertains to what I have understood to be an orthodox Judaic belief in the preexistence ... A: Sarah, Thank for the interesting question. Traditional tells us that when God created everything, ... | |
| predestination | 1/21/2006 |
| Q: Do those of your religion believe in predestination and that David was born in sin? A: Avis, No, we as Jews, do not believe in predestination but rather in man's free will to chose his ... | |
| Noahide Laws and the Interplay with Jewish Law | 1/3/2006 |
| Q: I was learning recently about the Seven Noahide laws, one of which is the prohibition against ... A: Allan: This is a 'sticky wicket' area. The various Poskim (experts) rule differently on the actual ... | |
| peahs | 12/31/2005 |
| Q: I am writing a story about a young man who cuts off his peahs in anger. I then realized I don't know ... A: Ultra-Orthodox Jews wear long peah to keep the commandment not to round the corners of the head, as ... | |
| shomer shabbos conundrum | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS BELOW IN CAPSUncle Sam is 78, shomer shabbat, and the Great Uncle of a ... A: The reason I asked about his 'orthodoxy' is because, as you know, they do not celebrate bat mitzvot, ... | |
| Torah | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: I have heard that different sources argue about the exact origins of the Torah. Is the general ... A: Adam: Good question! You are correct in that there are several options and opinions about the Hebrew ... | |
| shomer shabbos conundrum | 10/17/2005 |
| Q: Uncle Sam is 78, shomer shabbat, and the Great Uncle of a young woman about to become Bat Mitzvah at ... A: I will need some additional information to properly answer your1) Is this a real life situation or a ... | |
| Tzitzit | 9/18/2005 |
| Q: My question is regarding the tzitzit that many men wear. I have been told that the reason they are ... A: Adam: We wear fringes on our four-cornered garments to fufill the obligation of the commandment. The ... | |
| Burning CDs | 9/12/2005 |
| Q: My name is Jake And i am a High School Studant i have done some of my own reasuearch on this subject ... A: Jake: Stealing is stealing, regardless of the age of the material...unless it is no longer ... | |
| Hospital / Nursing | 9/1/2005 |
| Q: Being a Conservative Jew myself and going into the nursing profession, I have to wonder about how ... A: Matt: You pose an interesting question. In theory, since Conservative Jews also conform to Halakhah, ... | |
| ------------------------- ... | 8/1/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering what were the laws pertaining to women and headcoverings. Was it law for them in ... A: Michael: First, I hope you will pardon my typos and mis-spellings in my first response to you. I'm ... | |
| Hello Rav, I was wondering... | 8/1/2005 |
| Q: I was wondering what were the laws pertaining to women and headcoverings. Was it law for them in ... A: Michael: Thanks for the question! Are you aware you have a Jewish/Biblical name and that it contains ... | |
| Use of Blood | 7/28/2005 |
| Q: Can I begin by saying that my intention is not to impress you with my research or knowledge. I am a ... A: Nick: I too have enjoyed our confab and have had the opportunity to think about my beliefs and ... | |
| judaism | 7/27/2005 |
| Q: hI i was wondering if you knew about the bible codes ? I heard somethin on the hostory chanel like ... A: Eric: Thanks for the question! I think and most experts now agree that there's really nothing to ... | |
| Use of Blood | 7/26/2005 |
| Q: Herewith the promised research. I notice you have in the meantime also asked a question about pigs. ... A: Nick: It is obvious that you are convinced of your premise and that you worked very hard on your ... | |
| Use of Blood | 7/4/2005 |
| Q: Basically I just wanted to check what your stand on the matter was. I couldn't resist pointing out ... A: Nick: I'm curious how the Wittnesses look at prosthesis such as a pig valves, since there is ... | |
| Use of Blood | 6/30/2005 |
| Q: That a stand contrary to yours is a "misinterpretation of the Scriptures" is a matter of opinion ... A: Nick... I didn't see where my previous response went through...sorry: Nick: I never got the ... | |
| Use of Blood | 6/30/2005 |
| Q: The part that makes up the Hebrew Scriptures in the Bible (or "Old Testament") is quite clear on how ... A: Blood is not to be eaten. Apparently this was some form of pagan rite and we are commandmend against ... | |
| Approach To Sexuality | 5/9/2005 |
| Q: I'm looking for materials on orthodox Jewish approach, thought, guidlines and halacha on sexuality. ... A: Marc: The Torah is very discrete about such matters and Judaism, as a whole, follows suit. For ... | |
| Hebrew Word | 4/29/2005 |
| Q: I hope you are able to answer a question about language in the Torah. What is the Hebrew word for ... A: Joseph: (from the Deluxe Bible Edition CD ROM) yx Chay (khah'-ee); , Strong #: 2416 adj ... | |
| Talmud | 4/10/2005 |
| Q: I am generally ignorant about Judaism and would like to know whether Orthodx Jews consider the ... A: Allen: Thanks for the question! No, I don't know of anyone who puts Talmud as greater importance ... | |
| 1 Samuel | 4/6/2005 |
| Q: I was also taught that nothing evil comes from the Lord. In 1st Samuel 16-14 it says an evil spirit ... A: The Tempter (in the Garden) and The Accuser (in Job) are both angels that do exactly what G-d ... | |
| 1 Samuel | 4/4/2005 |
| Q: I was also taught that nothing evil comes from the Lord. In 1st Samuel 16-14 it says an evil spirit ... A: Sydney: We believe that G-d created everything. There is no such thing as the devil, evil spirits, ... | |
| Jesus Christ | 4/3/2005 |
| Q: I wondered what Jews believed Jesus was. Is he considered a good person, a traitor, or non-existant. ... A: I respect your beliefs and am glad that you too have found a special relationship with G-d! Jews ... | |
| The Holocaust | 3/20/2005 |
| Q: What is the general orthodox view of why G-d allowed the Holocaust and other atrocities to the ... A: G-d says He remembers the iniquities of the fathers for several generations. And yes, we are not ... | |
| Business mezzoza | 3/10/2005 |
| Q: My wife and I owen a software Business. We are the only 2 jews in the office. We have 2 seperate ... A: Eli: Mezuzot are only required on/in one's dwelling ("And you shall write them on the doorposts of ... | |
| My lineage | 3/2/2005 |
| Q: My father is Jewish and mother is Italian My father's father's name is Katcher or Kaczor My ... A: David: According to Halakhah (Jewish Law), one is only considered Jewish if his or her mother is ... | |
| Bowls | 2/25/2005 |
| Q: I am trying to find out the name of the bowls you use for maybe Passover They are keep in a box one ... A: Sydney: I'm sorry but this is not a tradition that I'm familiar with. Perhaps it is a more local one ... | |
| jewish healing | 2/23/2005 |
| Q: -Actually I am searching for information- not related to Jewish Medical Ethics- but to things an ... A: S... Sorry, I really know nothing about any special 'Jewish healing' procedures. Perhaps a Rabbi in ... | |
| Sorry! | 2/7/2005 |
| Q: I gather from your latest response to me that I have not been as clear as I should've been and I ... A: Kim: I fear I've offended you by my last response, since you did not reply or answer my questions ... | |
| Follow up | 2/6/2005 |
| Q: Yes, your answer did help me better understand the issue. I am wondering if there is a butcher or ... A: Sometimes it is not easy going from one extreme to the other. Perhaps Modern Orthodoxy or even ... | |
| Kosher beef | 2/6/2005 |
| Q: Got another ? for you... Is it possible to get Kosher steaks at regular grocery stores? The part ... A: Oh, 2 things i neglected to mention in my previous answer: 1) Non-kosher additives injected into the ... | |
| sacrificial rites | 1/21/2005 |
| Q: I understood that this sacrificial system applied to all communities and was not exclusively ... A: Matt: After the Temple was erected, we see it as the sole place for the sacrifices based upon Torah ... | |
| The nature of Sin | 1/20/2005 |
| Q: I am currently working on a personal project about the nature of Sin. I am the artist and co-author ... A: Alyssa: Thanks for the question and all the best on your book! G-d gave us some 613 Commandments. ... | |
| sacrificial rites | 1/20/2005 |
| Q: I am agnostic and very interested in religion and have just read throught the Old testament of the ... A: Matthew: The sacrifices ended with the destruction of the Temple in the first-century CE. Our ... | |
| Jewish Faith | 1/19/2005 |
| Q: I am 50 years old and have been basically protestant all of my life. I was always taught that the ... A: Mike: Thanks for the question! Your friend has the typical mindset of many Christians today and ... | |
| lost tribes | 1/11/2005 |
| Q: I would like to know if something is true. I was told that when them Messiah comes He will be the ... A: Pete: By "current Jews", I'll understand 'known Jews'. The Messiah will rule, as King, over all of ... | |
| Are you willing? | 12/31/2004 |
| Q: and Shabot Shalom! Yes, it's Sabbath now, Friday night as we head on into 2005. I have been looking ... A: I'm happy that you share in our zeal for the Sabbath! I don't use the computer on Sabbath, so I'm ... | |
| identity | 12/28/2004 |
| Q: Is it most-accurate to say that Orthodox Judaism regards being Jewish as a matter of race, religion, ... A: Thomas: That's a very interesting question! Certainly all of Judaism considers each of the factors ... | |
| Crock pots on Shabbat. | 12/26/2004 |
| Q: I have a question concerning the use of crockpots on Shabbat. I see that people will start cooking ... A: However, this is one area where I differ from mainstream Judaism, so I may not give you the answer ... | |
| few comments | 12/20/2004 |
| Q: I also enjoyed to discuss these matters with you I usually don't like to philosophize too much, ... A: Neil: Sorry, in my rush I neglected the latter part of your question. The Commandments can be ... | |
| a followup | 12/15/2004 |
| Q: but I have a question that arises from your belief: if you don't believe in an afterlife how do you ... A: Neil: Thanks for the question and the kind rating! It's is not so much that I don't believe in an ... | |
| about hell again | 12/14/2004 |
| Q: I think I should have elaborated more about my request. for example - I know there is the ters ... A: Neil: No bother! First let me explain that I am a Torah-ist, similar to the Sadducees of old, in ... | |
| Hollidays | 12/7/2004 |
| Q: What is Hanukkah A: Catherine: My pen and my brain were not in sync. The story of Hannah is often read during Hanukkah, ... | |
| Does G-d have a body? | 11/30/2004 |
| Q: I've been studying the Torah to better understand G-d and His Laws. Many Rabbis tell me God has no ... A: Blake: G-d is spirit and has no form. The instances where the Bible speaks otherwise are ... | |
| Hello, How are you. In... | 11/29/2004 |
| Q: How are you. In the book of Leviticus chapter 6 verse 30 it speaks of the sin offering that was ... A: Greetings! We are fine and blessed, baruch HaShem, and trust you are as well! As your question ... | |
| Morality and Mental Health | 11/18/2004 |
| Q: In my analysis of psychology and the torah, I have difficulties understanding how being moral ... A: Michael: Interesting research project! You seem to view the glass as half empty from the get-go. ... | |
| Ultra-Orthodox Jews | 11/9/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know about the different sects that Ultra-Orthodox Jews live in, and if they live ... A: Ellie: As a general rule, the more strict the observance the larger community required. As such, ... | |
| Rocking Jews | 10/26/2004 |
| Q: I am with a cluster of multi-denominational chaplains in the hospital setting and the question was ... A: Good question! To my knowledge there is no specific reason for this (ie Commandment or tradition), ... | |
| Regarding Messiah | 9/24/2004 |
| Q: Rav2B, I know Jews follow Torah and even Christians do believe in Torah. Everyone has their own ... A: Mr. Boom... Thank you for your question! All Judaism believes that when the Messiah comes, he will ... | |
| Biblical Currency | 9/21/2004 |
| Q: I was reading Numbers 3 and came across the reference for registration asked of Moses. It stated ... A: I honestly do not know the answer to your question, however; The half-shekel Temple tax (we're ... | |
| General | 9/19/2004 |
| Q: I have an Orthodox Jewish patient who is very ill and needs major surgery. What can I do to be more ... A: Kevin: I actually had another question before your's to answer, but, due to the importance of ... | |
| Jewish 1st century history | 8/21/2004 |
| Q: Were Jewish girls participate in bet seraf, bet talmud or bet midrash in the 1st century? A: Matt.. From what I can gather, complete (or nearly so) participation by women in the Synagogue is a ... | |
| procreation | 8/16/2004 |
| Q: Why is artificial insemination frowned upon in Judaism? A: Artificial insemination between a married couple who have been trying and are unable to conceive, ... | |
| Judiasm | 8/1/2004 |
| Q: Up to what extent are you able to be chillel shabbos to eat food? Like you are able to open a potato ... A: Yaakov... One is permitted to open a bag, can, bottle, crack nuts, etc. (you may not save the empty ... | |
| Why does a Jewish star have... | 7/28/2004 |
| Q: Why does a Jewish star have six points? A: Linda... The Star of david is a relatively late symbol of Judaism....probably the menorrah is more ... | |
| Hello, How are you. My question... | 7/26/2004 |
| Q: How are you. My question is in Judaism what constitutes the law of Moses. Is it the Written Torah ... A: Michael... The answer really depends on who you ask. Strictly speaking, the Law of Moses (aka Torah) ... | |
| Hello, How are you. My question... | 7/21/2004 |
| Q: How are you. My question is what kind of offerings will be brought into the Temple in the world to ... A: Michael... Please don't confuse the world to home (afterlife) with the messianic era. In the latter, ... | |
| Keeping kosher | 7/7/2004 |
| Q: i was recently talking with one of my friends who does not keep kosher. i on the other hand do. his ... A: Yakov... Sounds as if your friend prefers argument to reasoning. I commend you for keeping ... | |
| Chabad and Gentile souls | 7/5/2004 |
| Q: Rav2B, Hello again. You answered some questions for me a few weeks ago about Judaism's ... A: Phillip... Greetings! Since you and I do not seem to differ terribly on this issue, I'll address one ... | |
| death | 6/25/2004 |
| Q: Shalom. Why do people die? Why would Hashem take the lives of young people when it hurts the parents ... A: People die because we chose a mortal existence in the Garden of Eden, over an angelic immortal one. ... | |
| TANAKH | 6/16/2004 |
| Q: I would like to ask few questions regarding the Hebrew Scriptures (TANAKH): 1) Are the Hebrew ... A: Ron... We (Jews) believe that the Torah (the Books of Moses) were written by G-d. Some of It (ie the ... | |
| orthodox jewish burial | 6/15/2004 |
| Q: Is it more proper for a Jew's body to be buried or cremated after death? Will the choice, in any ... A: Wendy... Your question actually raises three important issues: 1) Is there a Commandment to be ... | |
| Cremation | 5/20/2004 |
| Q: I am a 22 year old undergraduate student. I went to an Orthodox Yeshivah for high school, but I'm ... A: Daisy.. First let me say how sorry I am about your loss! Jewish tradition does hold that we should ... | |
| separation of women during menses | 4/30/2004 |
| Q: ------------------------- I wondered if this was a way to increase offspring by delaying contact ... A: Carl... Regardless of our understanding of the Commandments or the apparent logic (or lack thereof) ... | |
| separation of women during menses | 4/26/2004 |
| Q: I understand that Lev 18:19 law means 7 days after the last issue, in actuality what is the ... A: Carl... Various traditions handle this commandment differently. The actual Torah commandment is ... | |
| Hello, How are you today.... | 4/18/2004 |
| Q: How are you today. I was wondering what does Judaism think about the term demon possessed. Meaning ... A: Michael... There are no references that I'm aware of demons until the late prophet era, after our ... | |
| color purple | 4/11/2004 |
| Q: I was wondering about the use of purple dye in ancient cultures. Purple dye was produced by a ... A: Pete... You ask a marvelous question! The answer varies according to tradition, but I'll give you my ... | |
| Tribal status of a male convert | 3/31/2004 |
| Q: In the times when people knew what tribe they were from (not just Kohen, Levi or Yisrael, what ... A: Sandy: I have heard 2 distinct answers to yourThe most common is that converts have no tribal ... | |
| anklet/bracelet meaning for Gentile Jews | 3/25/2004 |
| Q: Do you happen to know the symbolic meaning behind a man giving a woman an anklet and/or bracelet as ... A: I can't speak for Gentiles, but I know of no specific significance of a Jewish man giving a Jewish ... | |
| cohanim | 3/23/2004 |
| Q: Shalom! Can a Cohen enter a hospital?- B'ahava, Elchonon A: A Kohen may enter a hospital for his own health needs or to visit other close family members. All ... | |
| Hello, How are you doing... | 3/10/2004 |
| Q: How are you doing today. My question is what is the lintel in the doorway of synogogues and does it ... A: I'm not sure what you are referring to. The lintel is the horizontal piece above the doorway. Is ... | |
| Pesach | 3/5/2004 |
| Q: Is traveling allowed during the first/last two days of Pesach? A: Naomi.. The same rules apply to the first and seventh day of Pesach as the Sabbath, except that we ... | |
| Loss of dog | 3/1/2004 |
| Q: Our beloved dog passed away last week (he had to be put to sleep by the veterinarian due to ... A: Barry... First, please accept my sympathy for your loss! As a pet-owner myself, I know firsthand how ... | |
| God speaking to his people. | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: When did God stop talking directly (to Moses for example)? Why ? Gerry McDaniel ... A: Gerry... You pose a common question. I believe that after G-d gave the Torah and led His people ... | |
| NY Times article | 2/25/2004 |
| Q: I recently read an interesting NY Times article about an orthodox Jewish man who removed the linen ... A: Jane... The answer lies within the verse: Leviticus 19:19 Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt ... | |
| 'Avodah zarah | 2/8/2004 |
| Q: I have some questions about 'avodah zarah I cannot find a teshuvah to... I am in despair... Could ... A: Davide... I think the Torah is clear that we are to avoid idolatry and idolaters and to destroy ... | |
| Use of musical instruments in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. | 1/9/2004 |
| Q: 01-09-04 Dear Rav2B: Why is there not much reference in the Holy Bible to the use of musical ... A: Carmen... Since most, if not all, the 'New Testament' was penned after the Second Temple was ... | |
Orthodox Judaism
Answers by Expert:
Ovadiah ben Avraham
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Willing to answer and research general Halakhah questions in any field, including medical ethics. No synagogue or ritual type questions except by non-Jews looking for a brief summary.
Experience
Yeshiva and self-study
Organizations
Jewish Spiritual Humanism
Education/Credentials
Doctorate Degree
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