| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Ashkenazi | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I am interested in the history of the Ashkenazi Jews- are they descended from Shem? I read in an ...
A: This is not my area of expertise, but there is no connection between Shem and Ashkenazi Jews in ...
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| atheism | 11/3/2009 |
Q: My son has been dating a Reformed girl for the last year. They were getting serious and discussed ...
A: And to cut to the chase -- your son did the right thing to break it off. The Jews are both a nation ...
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| belief | 11/2/2009 |
Q: Shalom Rabbi, do Jews believe in Heaven and if so, who goes, do Jews believe in hell and if so who ...
A: Judaism certainly believes in an afterlife. We don't truly have a Heaven or Hell - just Olam Haba - ...
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| pre-marital sex | 9/18/2009 |
Q: Is it true that the Torah does not forbid pre-marital sex? If so, why not?
A: You ask a good question. First of all - it is important to note that Jewish law consists not only of ...
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| head covering | 9/9/2009 |
Q: Why do women increase their head covering while lighting the Shabbos candles (as opposed to, say, ...
A: The answer, however, is indeed - brief. It's quite simple. According to orthodox practice, a ...
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| G-D name - Jewish tradition | 8/18/2009 |
Q: What exactly is reason or law behind on why Jewish people do not use or attempt to pronounce the ...
A: We belive that the Divine name, the tetragrammaton is to be reserved for the Kohanim (the High ...
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| 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: A woman who has had her period does not make anything or anyone impure. Once a woman gets her ...
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| YHWH and the third commandment | 7/20/2009 |
Q: For a long time now I've questioned the common interpretation of the Commandment forbidding the ...
A: John- First of all -- every word of what you wrote is true and accurate, the there are a small ...
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| food | 7/15/2009 |
Q: Rabbi This may seem like a silly question but, are chickens mentioned in the bible? I know ...
A: Bob- You're question is an amazing and important one, as you will see. Regarding the laws of ...
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| 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: According to Jewish law the death penalty can only be administered when there is a functioning Beit ...
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| Coming of the Mashiach | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I have been thinking about the coming of Mashiach and according to Tehillim 72:6 (& Hoshea ...
A: There are no clear records of descent going back that far, though there are individual and families ...
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| Coming of the Mashiach | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I have been thinking about the coming of Mashiach and according to Tehillim 72:6 (& Hoshea ...
A: There is no basis for the interpretation you suggest. Allow me to share with you the chapter on ...
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| a question about sex laws... | 6/27/2009 |
Q: where in deuteronomy, leviticus, and exodus does it say that premarital sex with a girl who is ...
A: The fact is that the Torah does not directly say that premarital sex is a sin. Jewish law, however, ...
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| Religion | 6/26/2009 |
Q: How are you Sir. My question is that why jews have been subjected to discrimination and diaspora ...
A: The primary prophet of the Jews was Moses. The Land of Israel is important to the Jews because the ...
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| Conversion | 6/5/2009 |
Q: I am reading a book called Turbulent Souls by Stephen J. Dubner. It describes his family's history. ...
A: Good Question Dave! According to the letter of the law -- he is Jewish,a always was Jewish, and ...
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| Old Testament burial method | 6/1/2009 |
Q: I am a Christian and I am trying to understand how a body was prepared for burial. My understanding ...
A: As a rabbi I can only authoritatively discuss Jewish burial customs. However, I think what you might ...
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| 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: From the perspective of Judaism, the highest level a non-Jew can reach is that of a Ben-Noach -- one ...
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| the temple | 5/19/2009 |
Q: Rabbi Ari Enkin When the temple was built, it is my understanding that there was a separate place ...
A: I beleive that the links below will answer many of your questions regarding the Beit Hamikdash. ...
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| the meaning of... | 5/1/2009 |
Q: what do the names Abram and Abraham mean? (: ANSWER: Hi! According to Genesis 17:5, his name was ...
A: There is nothing forbidden regarding wearing the red string bracelet, however, it has virtually no ...
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| the meaning of... | 4/30/2009 |
Q: what do the names Abram and Abraham mean? (:
A: According to Genesis 17:5, his name was changed by God from Abram (probably meaning "the father is ...
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| Words spoken before Ha-Motzi on Shabbat | 4/27/2009 |
Q: I am a convert to Judaism, and have attended Shabbat dinner at my fiancee's home many times, where ...
A: I can glean from your e-mail that your future family are Jews of Sefardic origin. The verse which ...
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| Orthodox Judiasm & Anti-depressants | 4/21/2009 |
Q: Is there any law prohibiting Orthodox Jews from taking anti-depressant medications?
A: There is no such prohibition. As with all medications -- use is permitted, abuse is forbidden. ...
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| Is not the Passover Story a Tragedy? | 4/17/2009 |
Q: Shavua tov: This has been a bad yomtov for me and my family. My 15 year-old boy broke away from ...
A: Don't take all Midrash *so* seriously! It may have happened, it may have not. Even if it did happen ...
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| The wide-brim black Jewish hat | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I've noticed that Jewish men sometimes wear a wide brim black hat instead of a kippah. Does this ...
A: The black hat is in addition to a kippa which is worn on the head underneath the hat. There is no ...
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| help me | 3/16/2009 |
Q: shalom this is sharon from india.i wanted to convert as a jew.recently i came to know the truth when ...
A: Greetings and blessings to you! I am unable to help you with conversion. You must approach your ...
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| Boy Scouts and man's basic nature good or evil | 3/10/2009 |
Q: Rabbi Enkin, At a recent Boy Scout camping trip, I had an interesting conversation with a fellow ...
A: Though you may not like it, my first and strongest thoughts is that it is best that the Boy Scouts ...
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| beards | 3/2/2009 |
Q: What are the Modern Orthodox beliefs regarding beards and payot?
A: "Belief" is not the right word. "Practices" would be better. Modern Orthodoxy accepts the view with ...
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| G-d's involvement in daily events | 2/26/2009 |
Q: According to the orthodox jewish perspective does G-d get involved in daily events? If somthing good ...
A: Outstanding question. There are two equally valid approaches to this question with orthodox ...
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| BAr Mitzvah and puberty | 2/24/2009 |
Q: I understand that according to strict Jewish law in order for a boy to become a bar mitzvah he must ...
A: Good question! According to the strict letter of the law you are right -- both the coming of age ...
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| Gehenna, 11 months of cleansing, etc | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I work in a room with a few lawyers and we wander into all manner of conversations. We had a ...
A: The eleven month cleansing takes place in the Next World. It is completely immaterial try to ...
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| conversion and non-jewish family | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I've got a question regarding what happens post conversion to a converts interactions with their ...
A: You are perfectly permitted and entitled to interact with your non-Jewish family as a family member. ...
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| The Law of God/Law of Moses | 12/22/2008 |
Q: Could you tell me if there is a difference in the Law of Moses (Book of the Law) and the Law of God ...
A: We believe that the entire Torah along with all it's commandments and precepts were given to the ...
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| Should I ask?? | 12/17/2008 |
Q: I'm hoping you can give me an answer on this. I am a non-jew who has been under the teachings of a ...
A: Your dedication and generosity is certainly beyond the call of duty, to say the least. The Rav ...
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| Modern Day Shiva Trends | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I would like information about what trends you are seeing in regards to Shiva. Are current trends in ...
A: The shiva is a seven day mourning period. In fact, the word "Shiva" means seven in Hebrew. There is ...
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| smoking... | 12/3/2008 |
Q: does the oral or written law say it is forbidden to light a fire on the sabbath? seeing as The Lord ...
A: The prohibition on lighting a fire on Shabbat is the most explicit of all Shabbat prohibitions. See: ...
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| childrearing | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I am interested in learning the customs of Orthodox childrearing. Can you help me to understand why ...
A: From what I gather you are probably not Jewish. Orthodoxy is not a religion, but rather a stream of ...
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| kohen/ convert marriage/ children staus | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I'm email to get your advise on a matter which I need some guidance on a situation I'm facing in ...
A: Without getting into the Talmudic background of the matter, suffice it to say that it is unanimous ...
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| conversion | 11/25/2008 |
Q: For over a year I'm going to the synagogue, to realize my my dream I was having since I'm a child. ...
A: Agata- It is very difficult for me to help you as I am here in Israel. It is true that there are ...
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| sea travel | 11/24/2008 |
Q: What are the orthodox laws that govern travel at sea...specifically if an orthodox jew is at sea ...
A: This is a very uncomfortable situation. In most cases it will simply not be possible (for a number ...
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| beards... | 11/24/2008 |
Q: in the Law of Moses, it says that a man of the Jewish faith must not trim the corners of his beard. ...
A: Peter- The prohibition you are referring to is the prohibition of shaving with a razor. A man is ...
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| Prophets... | 11/17/2008 |
Q: In terms of the jewish definition of the word "Prophet", is the word only limited to someone who ...
A: Judaism does not accept any post-bible (Old Testament) personalties as legitimate prophets. ...
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| oral torah | 11/13/2008 |
Q: i think there is a guemara that says that the oral torah was written although it was forbidden to do ...
A: Sebastian-- Please forgive me -- I have been so busy today. Please review this link -- I think it ...
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| oral torah | 11/13/2008 |
Q: i think there is a guemara that says that the oral torah was written although it was forbidden to do ...
A: In order to answer you as quickly as possible, please allow me to post a link for you to look at. I ...
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| Hannukah | 10/5/2008 |
Q: When did celebrating Hannukah begin?
A: Chanuka is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in ...
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| Abraham/Sabbath | 9/22/2008 |
Q: Rabbi, Two unrelated questions: 1) We say "father Abraham" yet Israel did not begin until Jacob. ...
A: 1. The Jewish people began with Abraham even though they were not yet called "Yisrael" until Jacob's ...
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| Just God | 8/26/2008 |
Q: In the Exodus, it is mentioned the following. [5] Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor ...
A: Nain - Great question!! God does not punish children for the sins of their fathers, nor does He ...
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| Regarding laws in exodus. | 8/11/2008 |
Q: In the book of Exodus, It is mentioned as the following: If his master have given him a wife, and ...
A: Slavery was quite common in biblical times and in fact, it was none other than the bible to first ...
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| clothing... | 7/28/2008 |
Q: it is the law to only wear clothes woven from one material....but what if it is made from one ...
A: The 7 laws of Noah are not explicitly stated in the Torah/Old Testament. It is the Talmud which ...
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| clothing... | 7/27/2008 |
Q: it is the law to only wear clothes woven from one material....but what if it is made from one ...
A: The area of Jewish law you are referring to is known as "Shatnez" - the prohibition to wear a ...
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| conversion....! | 7/15/2008 |
Q: i am currently a 20 year old of Japanese descent living in the UK and have been trying my hardest ...
A: Judaism does not belive that one must be Jewish in order to find favor and salvation with God. ...
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| sabbath | 7/12/2008 |
Q: My life has changed for the better in so many ways since I have began to observe the sabbath and ...
A: Wow! Your question is, well, a massive one! Keep in mind that the Sabbath came way after the era of ...
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| I'm very embarrassed | 7/10/2008 |
Q: Shalom Rabbi, When I was a little kid and brought up as a Christian I told G-d that if I ever ...
A: From the Biblical perspective, "swearing", refers to making an oath in the name of God and then not ...
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| shoah | 5/30/2008 |
Q: With all the horrible things that happened to Jews during World War II what is the proper Jewish ...
A: I assume the primary focus of your question has to do with relations and attitudes vis a vis ...
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| ten percent | 5/29/2008 |
Q: In Judaism is the tithe still practiced? If not, then why not? Thanks: Josh
A: Judaism encourages (but does not require outright) that everyone donate 10% of their income to ...
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| The Talmud | 5/14/2008 |
Q: I read Israel Shahak's book "Jewish History, Jewish Religion, the Weight of Three Thousand Years"... ...
A: First of all, let me begin by stating that the writings of Israel Shahak are to be avoided. He is a ...
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| 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: Very good question! Very careful reading of the verse! According to the letter of the law, it ...
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| Exod. 3:14 | 4/29/2008 |
Q: I would appreciate very much if you please inform me whether the rendering of the name "IAM THAT I ...
A: God's name "Adonai" (often written Yahweh) is the name used primarily throughout the Bible, as well ...
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| Curse | 4/22/2008 |
Q: Cursing one's parents is utterly prohibited, but i do not exactly understand precisely what counts ...
A: You are correct that it is only the former which is punishable by death. The latter, merely using ...
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| conversion | 4/21/2008 |
Q: This is kind of a follow up. From what I have gleaned, just from the internet, is that being a Jew ...
A: You are right.. A person born as Jew is a Jew no matter what kind of lifestyle he lives. One who ...
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| Sarah | 4/18/2008 |
Q: In the bible, Abraham's wife Sarah is considered to be the first Jewish woman. Since her mother ...
A: Very good follow up! It is interesting to note that the laws of conversion as we have them now are ...
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| Sarah | 4/18/2008 |
Q: In the bible, Abraham's wife Sarah is considered to be the first Jewish woman. Since her mother ...
A: Great Question! Abraham and Sara were indeed the first 'Jews' - the first to recognize that the ...
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| Long side hair? | 4/17/2008 |
Q: We have a friend through my husband's work who is a Rabbi. He sent us a Hannukkah card of his ...
A: The Torah forbids males to shave their sideburns bald. (See Leviticus 19:27). Some ultra orthodox ...
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| customs for burial of a Rabbi | 3/29/2008 |
Q: I wanted to know the steps of preparing the body of a Rabbi before burial. I have heard different ...
A: In Judaism, all precepts apply to all Jews equally, and certainly in death. The method or preparing ...
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| Hebrew Canon | 3/13/2008 |
Q: Good day! I am a Christian interested in the subject of the canon of scripture. How is it that the ...
A: Cody- Amazing question. In a nutshell the books of the Hebrew Bible were selected and canonized ...
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| fkmsd | 3/2/2008 |
Q: a girl and i have kissed, but she has a obyfriend. Does it count as auldtery if they are not ...
A: According to Torah law, all contact between males and females who are not married to each other ...
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| Ne'ila | 1/26/2008 |
Q: Greetings, I seem to remember two things from the end of Yom Kippur: 1. A prayer beginning “P'tach ...
A: The prayers of Neila are a "last minute" appeal that God inscribe and seal us for a good year as Yom ...
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| breaking shabbat on behalf of another | 1/24/2008 |
Q: If Jew 1 prepares something for Jew 2 to use on Shabbat and by doing so breaks Shabbat themselves, ...
A: It is forbidden for a Jew to allow another Jew to do something which is forbidden on Shabbat. This ...
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| Arete | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Shalom. I am a Christian youth Sunday School teacher. In my searches recently, I found some insight ...
A: I am not familiar with "arete" so perhaps I am not the one who can best answer your question. ...
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| breaking shabbos for an emergency | 1/18/2008 |
Q: Rabbi, if a doctor, dentist, etc is shomer shabbos, can he/or she take emergency call? That is, ...
A: There are so many factors to the components of your question that a straight answer is not possible. ...
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| hallachi marriage rules | 12/30/2007 |
Q: my research into 16th-century crypto-Jewish families in Spain has unearthed a great number of ...
A: The Torah, the ultimate authority on the permitted and prohibited discusses in Leviticus 18 which ...
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| Hebrew Customs | 12/26/2007 |
Q: I have found that Torah comes to life if one is familiar with the customs and the roots of those ...
A: Customs are continually changing. Jewish customs have always been influenced by external and ...
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