| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Jewish view of God's body | 11/6/2008 |
Q: Can you please answer my questions? Do today's Jews believe that God is spirit, or do they believe ...
A: We believe that God is a spirit. We do not in anyway believe that God was is or will be "incarnated" ...
|
| Marriages | 11/5/2008 |
Q: Is inter-religious marriage allowed in the three branches of Judaism? What are the attitudes toward ...
A: Is inter-religious marriage allowed in the three branches of Judaism? No. What are the attitudes ...
|
| Judiasm | 11/4/2008 |
Q: what is the role of women in the three branches of judiasm?
A: FROM FULL EGALITARIAN TO FULL SEPARATION OF SEXES. Please see:http://www.jewfaq.org/women.htm ...
|
| Kippah | 10/30/2008 |
Q: I belong to a reform synagogue that all male members do not wear a kippah. My question is if the ...
A: Since you do belong to a Temple now, I do wonder why you do not simply ask the Rabbi about this? ...
|
| Conversion | 10/29/2008 |
Q: Witch steps I have to follow to complete the convertion process?? and How many time is necessary to ...
A: The second part first; one time. http://www.convert.org/process.htm has an excellent site on this: ...
|
| Reform Judaism Symbol | 10/20/2008 |
Q: Is there a particular symbol (or symbols) representative of Reform Judaism?
A: As opposed to other forms of Judaism? No. A good starting point for you would be ...
|
| Mourning rituals | 10/17/2008 |
Q: Do reform Jews observe the tradition of not wearing leather shoes during Shivah and the sheloshim?
A: The answer is no and yes. No if the individual is more modern and yes if the individual is more ...
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| conversion | 9/16/2008 |
Q: This is my problem. My mother recently died. My dad in speaking with my sister in law said that my ...
A: Firstly, your children are not "bastards". Now for the facts; 1-according to traditional Jewish law ...
|
| contacting Rabbi | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I write for Associated Press in New York. I´m writing a story about growing trend of non Jewish ...
A: This has been discussed within Judaism for a long time. Here is a very good answer byWhy do we place ...
|
| conversion and homosexuality | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Rabbi Bender, I have been in the process of conversion with a Reform rabbi for about a year now and ...
A: YOU SAID, :I have been in the process of conversion with a Reform rabbi for about a year now and the ...
|
| query 3 weeks | 6/29/2008 |
Q: I was wondering whether you could offer some guidelines as to music being TAUGHT/performed for ...
A: Issues related to this: 1) Your affiliation? Reform, Orthodox,Conservative,Reconstruction, etc. 2) ...
|
| messianic jews | 6/20/2008 |
Q: I'm not sure if this is your area but I was wondering if you knew any thing about messianic judaism.
A: If you are referring to the concept of belief in a future Messiah for Jews, then all Jews are ...
|
| Features unique to orthodox judaism | 5/26/2008 |
Q: i am studying the Jewish faith and cant find much information on the uniquity of orthodox Judaism in ...
A: Females now are becoming Rabbis in Orthodox Judaism and females have always been teachers as well. ...
|
| hebrew name for a girl | 5/22/2008 |
Q: I am in a dicussion with a female friend of mine. I say that a girls Hebrew name is eg Chana bat ...
A: It is both, same for a boy. Chaim ben Shmuel, Chaim son of the father and Chaim ben Sara, Chaim son ...
|
| the name Zelda | 4/4/2008 |
Q: Zelda is not un-common name among europian jews. It also a non jewish name and then it is ...
A: One research book I use has it as:SELDA, SELDE, ZELDIN and SELDIN all variations of the name SALIDA, ...
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| last name origins | 3/28/2008 |
Q: is there a way i can find out how/where my last name originated? i know zandler is polish jewish, ...
A: so at one point my last name was "sander"? I really do not know as it was from Poland and so, I ...
|
| passover | 3/28/2008 |
Q: i'm begining to get into judaism again. i would like to celebrate passover with my mom and i'm not ...
A: WELCOME HOME. Firstly, I would suggest that you begin with the following: ...
|
| and baby makes three | 3/10/2008 |
Q: I am a non-practicing (i.e. don't attend church, though I'd consider myself spiritual) Roman ...
A: Firstly, Mazal Tov on this upcoming birth. I will go by the numbers for the answer; 1) Whether you ...
|
| exploring judaism | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I feel a need for spirituality, and having strong Jewish origins, even though I was brought up as an ...
A: I must ask what you mean by "...and having strong Jewish origins...". Do you mean that you were born ...
|
| converting. | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I would like to convert to Judaism. I know that this process is not easy and I've done all my ...
A: The answer is that you call the Rabbi at a temple or synagogue nearest you before you "...walk into ...
|
| conversion in germany | 2/15/2008 |
Q: My mother is not Jewish, but my father is. I am from Russia and I was not raised in the Jewish ...
A: If your mother is not Jewish, you, according to Halachah/Jewish law, are not a Jew. As far as L ...
|
| Question about Mezuzot | 2/12/2008 |
Q: I am currently going through the process of converting to Judaism in a Reform congregation. I ...
A: I will answer the 2nd part first (about materials for a Mezuzah). What is written is extremely ...
|
| Jesus! | 1/31/2008 |
Q: My name is Brad, i am 14 and a christian, however Judaism interests me very much. I am asking if ...
A: In our Jewish view, we do not believe in anything about Jesus (and even, as some may say, his ...
|
| Naming my child for G-d | 1/16/2008 |
Q: This may seem odd, but when I was pregnant with my son ( I had miscarried prior to him) I made "a ...
A: I do wish you all the best with your pregnancy and that you deliver a healthy child blessed with ...
|
| Mourners Kaddish In Spanish | 12/31/2007 |
Q: I want to have a mourners kaddish in spanish and I cant find it anywhere. I have been going to ...
A: First comment: welcome to the fold. Messianic Judaism is not Judaism. No so-called messianic form of ...
|
| changing my hebrew name | 12/28/2007 |
Q: My Hebrew name is Mindel which I just learned means "bitter." How do i change my first Hebrew ...
A: If Mindel is your first Hebrew name, what is your 2nd name? I would venture a wager that it is some ...
|
| meaning of yiddish name | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I would like to know the meaning and origin of the name Breina and the Hebrew equivalent. Thank you ...
A: The name Breina, and many variants such as BREINDEL:YIDDISH FOR BRAUNE (BROWN) or from BRUNHILD: ...
|
| Bat Mitzvah Date | 11/28/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been assigned the bat mitzvah date that coincides with the anniversary of my ...
A: March 13, 2010 is 27 ADAR, 5770, Vayekhel-Pekude haftarah HaKodesh and is not in conflict with the ...
|
| Bat Mitzvah Date | 11/28/2007 |
Q: My daughter has been assigned the bat mitzvah date that coincides with the anniversary of my ...
A: Have you discussed this with the Rabbi at the Temple? The date of your father's death, 3/13/06, ...
|
| Online Conversions? | 11/23/2007 |
Q: I was just curious about the general acceptability of online conversions across the major movements. ...
A: There is no such thing as an online conversion to Judaism! One may study, online, one may chat about ...
|
| conversion | 11/14/2007 |
Q: I am nineteen years old, I live on my own and am pursuing a major in Graphic Design. I currently ...
A: You begin by saying, I want to be a Jew because...and continue from there. Rabbis realize full well ...
|
| conversion | 11/13/2007 |
Q: I am nineteen years old, I live on my own and am pursuing a major in Graphic Design. I currently ...
A: The answer to the question is in the question itself. See a Rabbi in real life and discuss it all ...
|
| Yiddish/Hebrew names | 10/24/2007 |
Q: My 9 year old grandson, Jake, has asked me what his Hebrew name means. His Hebrew name is ...
A: Yochanon is a short form for Yehocahnon, a Hebrew name, both meaning "God is gracious".It is a ...
|
| Marraige date | 10/18/2007 |
Q: My son is getting married in the summer of 2008. In Reform Judaism what dates in July and August ...
A: The period of time from 7/20/08 through 8/10/08 (Fast of Tammuz through Fast of Av) is the period ...
|
| shabbat | 10/17/2007 |
Q: how is it different in the synagogue to at home during shabbat
A: Shabbat is a day of, as we are taught, heaven to come. A day of rest and relaxation and study. In ...
|
| one year anniversary of death | 10/12/2007 |
Q: Rabbi, Other than the kaddish and lighting the yarzheit candle is there anything else that should ...
A: I will refer you to your Rabbi, but, in brief, here are a few suggestions: Unveiling / Dedication ...
|
| Converting, how is going to affect my marriage? | 10/9/2007 |
Q: ! I have a problem and looking for a answer. I am orthodox, Christian. I am getting marry with a ...
A: The idea that you will be converting to Judaism is laudable. I wish you the best. I personally ...
|
| Fasting for Yom Kippur | 9/22/2007 |
Q: Rabbi I am 18 years old and practice Reform Judaism. Every year around the time of Yom Kippur, I ...
A: I could not answer before as I do not use the computer on Shabbat and Yom Kippur. Whether Reform ...
|
| Reform and Aliya | 9/16/2007 |
Q: I would like to know if I have coverted (reform) will I be able to go to Israel with Aliya? Or ...
A: At this time, as far as I know, Israel will grant citizenship to a convert, Reform or otherwise. I ...
|
| Converting? | 9/5/2007 |
Q: I'm 17 years old i live in NYC i don't have a religious background and i would like to "convert" to ...
A: Your age (under legal age of majority) prevents me from assisting you. Do you still live at home? If ...
|
| judaism | 8/23/2007 |
Q: 1:who were the important people helped develop and spread the religion? 2:how is the reliion spread? ...
A: I normally do not answer questions like this more than2-3 times a year. You are the lucky one. I ...
|
| Name | 8/16/2007 |
Q: Q- If G-d’s name is not pronounced, then how can one invoke His name or call upon Him using “generic ...
A: In Exodus,3:13-22:Moses asks God what His "name" is. Moses is not asking "what should I call you;" ...
|
| Reading Material | 8/14/2007 |
Q: I am a non-practicing Catholic who has learned quite a bit about the Jewish faith from my ...
A: Without knowing where you live, I can only suggest that you use the internet to find the websites of ...
|
| Converting with Christian Children | 7/19/2007 |
Q: I am a 29 year old married mother of 2. My children are 9 and 5. My mother is a southern baptist ...
A: The children are yours and your husbands. Children are raised the way parents want them raised. If ...
|
| What do you see? | 7/9/2007 |
Q: Q- I would like to know from New Testament references why the Jewish people do not believe that ...
A: I, as a Rabbi, cannot and will not try to answer for Christians. The one part I will answer is, ...
|
| Moshiach | 7/9/2007 |
Q: Where is it written (if it is) in the Tanakh that the “Moshiach” would be “sinless?
A: There is nothing in Tanakh or any other Jewish work where we, Jews, say that the Moshiach will be ...
|
| shabbat reform Jews | 7/8/2007 |
Q: how does reform Jews worship shabbat pease give all the detail you can.
A: In the best of all worlds, Jews, all Jews, are supposed to observe Shabbat the same way; see ...
|
| Conversion | 6/10/2007 |
Q: I am very serious about converting to Judaism. I have been attending Synagogue in the two ...
A: When you say, "I am very concerned that my conversion process in either of these branches will not ...
|
| 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: The answer gets complicated and is long and is part of some but not all of Jewish thinking: [Note ...
|
| converting to reform judaism | 5/25/2007 |
Q: I recently moved to the NYC area and am looking for a rabbi/synagogue that would be willing to ...
A: Not knowing your age, marriage stus, sex or religion as well as why you want to convert to Judaism, ...
|
| Hadassah Meeting | 5/5/2007 |
Q: Greetings, What is a Hadassah Meeting, please? It came up on Desperate Housewives; from the name I ...
A: My wife happens to be a "Hadassh Lady". The information excerpted below is from ...
|
| Hebrew equivalent of Yiddish name. | 5/4/2007 |
Q: My mother's Yiddish name was Machla but she was called Manya as a young woman. What is the hebrew ...
A: MACHLA is a Hebrew name, meaning "fat". See Torah, Numbers 36:11 (36:11 Machlah, Tirtzah, Chaglah, ...
|
| tatoos | 4/27/2007 |
Q: my son wants to get a tatoo. He is 18, and leaving for college in june. we are reformed. i was bar ...
A: I have learned from childhood that a Jew may not be buried in a Jewish cemetery if the person has a ...
|
| 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: I have a question for you, a very important one. Was your mother born to a Catholic family? If so, ...
|
| British Synagogues | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to find synagogues in London which are the equivalent of U. S. Conservative synagogues. ...
A: I doubt that all of the members of United Synagogue Movement are all Chabad. "I noticed this ...
|
| British Synagogues | 4/12/2007 |
Q: I'm trying to find synagogues in London which are the equivalent of U. S. Conservative synagogues. ...
A: You might want to do a search on Google for this. Check out Wikipedia at ...
|
| baby naming | 4/8/2007 |
Q: My daughter-in-law has converted to Judaism. They just had a baby (three months old) and would like ...
A: If you want a Jewish naming ceremony, contact a Jewish rabbi (Reform or Conservative) to do the ...
|
| Wedding ceremony | 4/8/2007 |
Q: Shalom, Me and my fiancee are getting married this June. We are both not strictly Jewish (by father ...
A: According to Jewish law (We are both not strictly Jewish (by father only) you are not Jewish and ...
|
| RE: Ethical/Moral Obligation | 3/9/2007 |
Q: What is the Hebrew term for the following Jewish concept. You have a friend or family member who ...
A: It can certainly cover a lot of ground, but, perhaps the concept of TIKKUN OLAM comes close: Tikkun ...
|
| baby girl naming | 12/25/2006 |
Q: My daughter-in-law, who has converted to Judaism, is having a baby the end of this month. They have ...
A: Baby naming is usually in the first couple of weeks after birth. Your dads name, Martin (Moshe) can ...
|
| Bima | 12/21/2006 |
Q: I understand that the custom is to have the Bima face east. There are, however, a number of Reform ...
A: I would suggest that you email Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto at http://www.holyblossom.org/ and ask ...
|
| Differences between Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Judaism | 11/27/2006 |
Q: what is the principal difference between the three branches of Judaism? I have met a number of ...
A: From: http://www.jewfaq.org/movement.htm Movements of Judaism Level: Basic The different sects ...
|
| Bar Mitzva | 11/26/2006 |
Q: My stepson will be Bar Mitzvah this December and I have a serious problem I believe. My older ...
A: Has the mother of the Bar Mitzvah buy spoken to the Rabbi? What is the venue? Reform Temple, ...
|
| Infants Conversion | 11/21/2006 |
Q: I´m a Mexican jew man I made aliha one year ago with my girl partner who is not Jewish, she decided ...
A: Most Rabbis will not do an infant conversion if the mother stays non-Jewish, especially in Israel. ...
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| Judaism | 11/16/2006 |
Q: Was Joseph, father of Jesus, not a Jew? Please elaborate. Regards SteveTonight I listened to Chief ...
A: Was Joseph, father of Jesus, not a Jew? Please elaborate. Matthew1:[18] Now the birth of Jesus ...
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| General question regarding Jewish people | 11/15/2006 |
Q: I was raised in a Christian faith as a child, but as an adult I do not follow any organized religion ...
A: Ah yes, the question of questions, "Why have your people been so discriminated against throughout ...
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| Judaism | 11/14/2006 |
Q: Tonight I listened to Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on the radio and was very impressed with the depth ...
A: You wrote,"this faith strictly limited to those 'born Jewish' or can people convert to Judaism?". It ...
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| General Religion Question | 11/12/2006 |
Q: The other day I came up with a question and it's been driving me nuts. Can you please explain this ...
A: Christianity and Islam are not based on the Torah, (except in a very loose way) They are based on ...
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| etiquette at Jewish funerals - | 10/20/2006 |
Q: In a couple of days I will attend a memorial service at a Temple - the first Jewish memorial I have ...
A: Yes, sit when others sit, stand when others stand, be respectful and wear a head covering. You may ...
|
| general info about judiasm | 10/20/2006 |
Q: Rabbi my name is Justin and I have a few questions for you about Judaism. what is the point of ...
A: I normally do not answer school type questions like this, but, I will make an exception this one ...
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| Marriage | 10/7/2006 |
Q: I am an Orthodox Jew. Both my parents were Orthodox and married in an Orthodox Shul. My husband's ...
A: You wrote, in part, "My husband's mother was not Jewish and did not convert". Did your husband ...
|
| Jewish interpretation of ezekiel 38 | 9/25/2006 |
Q: I am a progressive christian and want to become a pastor. i have a two part1) how does the various ...
A: 2)a- google Jewish scriptures b- go to www.jewfaq.org as a start and Jewish virtual library. 1) I ...
|
| Rosh Hashanah | 9/16/2006 |
Q: On Rosh Hashana, we traditionally go to our family's house and have a big dinner, then go home. ...
A: Not knowing your age and marital stautus and assuming you are a minor, it appears to me that you are ...
|
| messiah | 9/7/2006 |
Q: Yeshua came as our Messiah, why isthat so hard, he came to bring life, he just wants us to love G-d ...
A: We love God with all our heart and with all our might. Your Jesus never fulfilled any of the ...
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| General questions | 9/7/2006 |
Q: I've not met my father (divorced when I was 3 months) but my mother says that he and several members ...
A: I have a few questions and comments for you and then suggestions. These are some of the questions ...
|
| Keep your mind in hell, but despair not | 8/11/2006 |
Q: I've heard this phrase - am not sure of the origin. But what does it mean? And how does one live up ...
A: I did a quick search on Google, ...
|
| Marriage and Divorce | 8/8/2006 |
Q: My late husband and I were married, in our home, by a rabbi in a traditional ceremony in 2000. My ...
A: My question is if the latter marriage is even considered valid by religious standards NO and, if ...
|
| Personal Struggle and Judaism | 7/13/2006 |
Q: At 57, I am searching to have a relationship with G_d within the framework of Reform Judaism. I ...
A: I will answer you in no particular order: "I've spoken to seemed incredulous or less than ...
|
| Hebrew Name | 7/11/2006 |
Q: My name is Pamela and I have been under the impression that my Yiddish name is Pesi (not sure of the ...
A: Under most situations, we do not go from a diaspora name to a Hebrew name (Pamela to XXX). We go ...
|
| Judaism | 6/22/2006 |
Q: Can you please better explain to me the Judaism's Ethics and morality. It doesnt matter about ...
A: Judaism is an excellent religion both as a faith and to study. The ethics and morality can best be ...
|
| Jesus Christ | 6/21/2006 |
Q: I read recently that you said that Jesus was raised in a Jewish household, and tought the hebrew ...
A: Firstly, to Jews, he is not "The Christ", ie; the messiah. Secondly, I do not recall ever saying, ...
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| Job | 6/18/2006 |
Q: I have just finished a study of the book of Job. It is a terrifying book for me. Even though Job ...
A: During and after the Holocaust Jews, while in the death camps, still believed in God. There is one ...
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| Noachides | 6/12/2006 |
Q: I recently read a question that you answered concerning Noachide marriages. This gave you a great ...
A: You fall into the trap of thinking that Noachides are some sort of Jeudaism in its infancy. The ...
|
| shiva from far away | 5/24/2006 |
Q: i have a question. my beloved grandfather passed away yesterday and will be buried today. ...
A: My sincerest condolences on your loss. The practices we observe can be complicated. I will submit ...
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| Is Reform a different Religion from Traditional Torah? | 5/7/2006 |
Q: Talmud is not Torah, you say? Is Halacha binding or not? If not, why? Where should I begin ...
A: Reform Judaism is Judaism as much as MO or Haredi or Concervative is. Halacha is bindinding on ...
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| Is Reform a different Religion from Traditional Torah? | 5/3/2006 |
Q: In essence, Refrom defines Torah RADICALLY differently from even left wing Modern Orthodox. ...
A: Reform Judaism, like all sects of Judaism is Judaism. Torah is same for all. Talmud is the ...
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| Messiah | 1/20/2006 |
Q: My question is why don't the Jews believe in a risen Messiah.
A: This question is asked a lot of Jews. The answer is simple; there is no risen Messiah in accord with ...
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| Peahs | 12/31/2005 |
Q: I am writing an Orthodox Jewish Comedy and have a scene where a 17 year old son in a moment of ...
A: The peahot(s) / sideburns are one of the mitzvot in Torah. We aree forbiggen accordiing to Torah, to ...
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| Understanding | 12/23/2005 |
Q: Let me first say that I am not Jewish in faith, but a Christian. I follow the belief of honoring ...
A: The answer is quite long and can get complicated. One of the best ways of answering, especially for ...
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| prophecies fo the Messiah | 12/8/2005 |
Q: who prophesied jesus coming as a rod out of the stem of Jesse, a virgin shall conceive and bear a ...
A: There is no question here. I suggest that you see the following website: ...
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| Mixed marrage | 11/29/2005 |
Q: In a marrage between a Jew and a non Jew are their children Jews? Thank you for your time. Barbara
A: In an interfaith marriage between a Jew and a Non-Jew the children are Jewish if the mother is ...
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| Jews and G-d | 11/17/2005 |
Q: I have been dating a Jewish girl for several months now. She is a 'Secular Jew', and after doing ...
A: Firstly, I would want to know what you mean by secular. You indicate not to much knowledge about ...
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| The Bible | 11/2/2005 |
Q: Well, I'm not in agreement with you when you say that there is no relation between the New testament ...
A: The New testament, the Christian Bible, and the Tanakh are two different things. The New Testament ...
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| circumcision | 10/10/2005 |
Q: I am Jewish. My husband is Not. I grew up in Brooklyn as a reform Jew. My father was principal of ...
A: The child is Jewish according to a liberal interpretation of Halacha and not according to a more ...
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| Judaism or Jewism? | 9/3/2005 |
Q: Can anyone PLEASE tell me the difference between these two words: Judaism and Jewism? Can you define ...
A: Judaism is the religion of Jews. From our friends at Yahoo; Ju·da·ism (jd-zm) KEY NOUN: ...
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| Big 3 | 8/1/2005 |
Q: Within the last 10 Parsiyot or so, I recall seeing a verse that at least hinted at setting aside the ...
A: Pikuach Nefesh Life Supercedes Ritual Restrictions One of the fundamental rabbinic principles is ...
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| Afterlife | 7/25/2005 |
Q: What is the Jewish position on the Afterlife, on Heaven and Hell? Joe
A: Olam Ha-Ba: The Afterlife Traditional Judaism firmly believes that death is not the end of human ...
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| Being Jewish | 7/23/2005 |
Q: I was born Jewish, but not particularly raised Jewish. My mom was jewish, my dad wasn't. We sort of ...
A: It reminds of something President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said;"We have nothing to fear except ...
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| Which way reform movement is different then other Jewish movement | 6/27/2005 |
Q: now I am curious to know, Based on what logic and evidences Jews don't believe in a risen messiah. ...
A: You asked "Dear rabbi Thank you very much for you valuable answer, now I am curious to know, Based ...
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| Which way reform movement is different then other Jewish movement | 6/18/2005 |
Q: What is the main difference between reformed movement with other Jewish denomination regarding ...
A: It is Reform, not reformed. Major differences are the view of Torah as being either divine in ...
|
| Sacred Texts | 5/24/2005 |
Q: I go to an orthodox Jewish day school in Sydney Australia, and am currently studying the nature of ...
A: Reform Jews are bound by conscience. Talmud was written by mankind, not God, so, Reform take the ...
|
| my batmitzvah | 5/23/2005 |
Q: I recently had my batmitzvah, except we reported on topics we had studied for months instead of ...
A: We usually read the Torah and the speech afterward can certainly be topical and related to the ...
|
| doctrine | 5/19/2005 |
Q: what is the judaism doctrine
A: This is a far more difficult question than you might expect. Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of ...
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| pre-marital sex | 5/18/2005 |
Q: how do jews view pre-marital sex? christians are taught that it is wrong, and i'm just wondering ...
A: Jews view pre-marital sex as wrong. We urge the marriage state for all so that the sexual urges are ...
|
| Judaism | 5/3/2005 |
Q: what is the date and location that judaism start
A: There is no "one specific date for the beginning of Judaism" per se. There is, rather, a timeline ...
|
| End of Passover? | 4/30/2005 |
Q: Rabbi: I was wondering if you could tell me exactly when passover ends this year? Thank you.
A: Passover ends this year, 5765, on Saturday, April 30, 2005, after sundown, for Reform Jews, Israelis ...
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| Could we all be correct? | 3/27/2005 |
Q: I was raised a Christian in a family with many Jewish and Muslim friends. Every week in church we're ...
A: First, read the following from KJV of Bible: Matthew 1: [18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on ...
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| Lineage | 3/10/2005 |
Q: i am an Archaeologist from the uk. I am of a Jewish bloodline my grandparents on my mothers side ...
A: You begin by reading all you can get either online, such as this, http://www.jewfaq.org/ and this ...
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| milk and meat | 3/10/2005 |
Q: i've recently heard that the bible says the israelites are the "chosen poeple". is this true? if so, ...
A: It can mean many things. In Torah God has CHOSEN many times. The one that is asked the most, like ...
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| Mourning | 3/9/2005 |
Q: After the death of a parent, for how long is it customary to wear the black piece of fabric used in ...
A: Cutting Keriah: The tearing of a black ribbon or garment prior to the funeral allows the mourner the ...
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| milk and meat | 3/4/2005 |
Q: i'm not sure how you say it in english but in the bible it says that you can't boil a kid in it's ...
A: The Torah commands us three times (Exodus 23:19, Exodus 34:26 and Deuteronomy 14:21) not to cook a ...
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| Converting to Judaism | 2/22/2005 |
Q: I have been learning about Judaism and have been wondering about what are the steps to converting? ...
A: Go to see a rabbi at a temple near you. Till then, read and study the following: ...
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| marriage | 2/20/2005 |
Q: I am Jewish, had a bar mitzvah but do not practice as much as I should. My fiancee, is Catholic. ...
A: The short answer is yes, advisedly. Why advisedly? Depending on where you live and where the wedding ...
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| Jews in WWII | 2/17/2005 |
Q: I am a High School student in Minnesota. I am writing a term paper about World War Two, and my topic ...
A: As many Jews that could get to America would not have been murdered in cold blood. Theoretically? ...
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| Reform Judaism basic concept | 2/7/2005 |
Q: What is basic beleif of Judasim ? How many section it has ? what is diiffrent between orthodox ...
A: A basic "belief in Judaism" can be found at http://www.jewfaq.org/ . As for the rest of your ...
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| Sabbath law | 1/22/2005 |
Q: When did the Sabbath law get connected with going to temple? Is this law to keep the Sabbath holy ...
A: In your question, "When did the Sabbath law get connected with going to temple?" needs ...
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| 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: Home Depot is for hardware, not, and I repeat, not for theology. That said,we move on. We do not ...
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| Kabbalah | 1/10/2005 |
Q: Good day, Firstly I would just like to thank you for your help with my last question. It cleared up ...
A: Kaballah is the mystical study of the Torah and is not reomended for anyone not first well grounded ...
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| beards | 1/4/2005 |
Q: why do orthodox and orther jewish men have beards is it becasue prophet mose (peace be upon him) and ...
A: The Torah, the Five Books of Moses, has a commandment not to shave the corners of the head. ...
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| History | 12/24/2004 |
Q: but I was hoping to find the point where the Rabbis decided when to actually change the laws about ...
A: You are asking for a precise date, as I understand the question, and, sorry to say, there is none. ...
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| History | 12/24/2004 |
Q: I was told a story that There is such a thing as "Jewish Genes." The gene is passed through the ...
A: In a sense, a loose one, you have the gist of the story right. I would refer you to two of many ...
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| Noah's Flood | 12/23/2004 |
Q: Could you provide insight on the story of the flood with considering there's no geoligical evidence ...
A: There does seem to be some geological evidence of a 'great deluge' some 7500 years ago. See ...
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| General | 12/15/2004 |
Q: Three questions. What are the differances in religion between Christianity and Judaism? I know one ...
A: 1) It is obvious, Jews do not accept Jesus as Messiah and never will as he never fulfilled ANY ...
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| Sacrifice | 12/4/2004 |
Q: My question is this: What were the different purposes for sacrificing animals and sprinkling their ...
A: Look at the sacrificial passages as a commentary on history. Jews do not do animal sacrifice ...
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| differences | 11/15/2004 |
Q: What are the main differences in Judaism and Christianity? Also what are the differences in ...
A: Jews believe in One God. Christians believe in a trinity, the leader of which is Jesus. Please see ...
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| Temple | 11/5/2004 |
Q: I was curious as to what determines a Temple. I am writing an essay for class and I need to define ...
A: I normally do not do homework questions. That said, I will do this one, this once. By "Temple" I ...
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| Has the messiah risen | 9/21/2004 |
Q: -Your answers are written in a way that they sound rude and harsh. I'm only trying to learn. If I ...
A: I am sorry you perceive my ansers harsh. I get a lot of questions about jesus and, quite frankly, if ...
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| timing on a Jewish wedding | 9/10/2004 |
Q: In arranging a wedding between my now-fiance and I, we are wanting to understand any restriction on ...
A: Assuming you both are Jewish and either Orthodox or Conservative, the wait is out of respect to the ...
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| Do Jewish people refer to... | 9/8/2004 |
Q: Do Jewish people refer to G-d as "our Father"? My youngest daughter is attending a neighborhood ...
A: At times, yes, during certain prayers. The prayer you mention sounds as if it were from a Christian ...
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| Friday night Kiddish | 8/8/2004 |
Q: Rabbi Bender, I am hosting a shabbas dinner, and all though i grew up haveing friday night ...
A: Try these sites, (found in a Google search) 1) ...
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| symbolic circumcision for conversion | 8/7/2004 |
Q: My husband and I are entering conversion class (Conservative) in the fall. We understand that if a ...
A: Generally the "symbolic" circumcision is done by a Mohel (the Rabbi who is in charge of your ...
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| Jewish Prayers | 8/4/2004 |
Q: My maternal grandfather is 89 years old and has been having severe problems with his health. He has ...
A: When you become aware of a member of your community who is ill, share these prayers of healing and ...
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| Robot | 8/4/2004 |
Q: :-) I have one last question about free choice. You say all humans have free choice and I truly feel ...
A: In Judaism, we are taught that we have free choice to do good or evil. After we die, we are taught ...
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| Free choice | 7/20/2004 |
Q: :) I have another question about free choice. I was having a conversation with a Rabbi and now that ...
A: "learning the torah and jewish law". Jewish law refers to Talmud and other writings that some feel ...
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| Am I jewish? | 7/15/2004 |
Q: My whole life, I thought I was jewish. My father is jewish, my granndfather and grandmother were ...
A: According to most orthodox Rabbis, if she converted with anyone but an orthodox Rabbi (some go so ...
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| Wife | 7/3/2004 |
Q: I am married to a jewish woman. I have very weak (Unprovable) Jewish roots and have recently decided ...
A: So far I haven't told you to take a running jump. Interesting thought; many of us question, so, why ...
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| Conversion to Judaism | 6/23/2004 |
Q: I have a deep desire to convert to Judaism. I have been researching the process for several months ...
A: It is a more complicated process than just "accepting Judaism". It is a process of a minimum of at ...
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| "Reformed Jewish" religion | 6/16/2004 |
Q: My name is Kelly and I am a second year nursing student. I have to write a cultural assessment and ...
A: Firstly, it is REFORM JUDAISM, not Reformed. She was incorrect. There are many sub-sets of Judaism, ...
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| TANAKH | 6/16/2004 |
Q: I would like to ask few questions regarding the Hebrew Scriptures (TANAKH): 1) Are the Hebrew ...
A: 1) No. The Christian scriptures have a different order, translation, number of books and meaning. 2) ...
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| sects | 6/15/2004 |
Q: I would like to know what are the major branches/sects/denominations of Judaism, how they were ...
A: Aside from the most well known branches of Judaism, Reform, Consevative and most Orthodox, there are ...
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| 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: Traditionally a Jew is buried and not cremated. The other part of the question, as to God's plans, ...
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| Moshiach | 6/14/2004 |
Q: What do you mean, "There is no Messiah." Isn't Moshiach a part (an integral part) of the Jewish ...
A: You wrote, "Isn't Moshiach a part (an integral part) of the Jewish belief? I seem to remember ...
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| jewish beliefs | 6/10/2004 |
Q: I have a question, I hope I do not offend. I saw in your expertise,that you answer questions on why ...
A: I will refer you to the website http://www.jewfaq.org/moshiach.htm in which is explained the Jewish ...
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| Introduction to your faith | 5/10/2004 |
Q: I am teaching a class on world religions in our church and (while I have read Huston smith's ...
A: A very good overview of Judaism may be found online at http://www.jewfaq.org/. You might not like ...
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| Wedding Ceremony | 5/3/2004 |
Q: What is the significance of the Chuppah? and what does the "breaking of the glass" at the wedding ...
A: The chuppah represents a temporary home, a home with a flimsy structure with God as our protector. ...
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| Shabbat service | 4/29/2004 |
Q: I am a gentile who is exploring the possibility of conversion. I've read quite a bit, and I ...
A: A bar/bat mitzvah is PART OF A REGULAR SHABBAT SERVICE. The roping off of an area may have been to ...
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| Conversion | 4/19/2004 |
Q: Good Morning, After more than 10 years of believing and practicing Judaism privately, I am ready to ...
A: Reform is the more liberal of the two movements (with less emphasis on ritual and more emphasis on ...
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| Evolution | 3/30/2004 |
Q: I was recently told that most Jews believe in evolution. As a convert, I was unaware of this. Is ...
A: As with all things in Judaism and, for that matter, in the world, there are individual beliefs in ...
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| How to study Judaism? | 3/25/2004 |
Q: Greetings, I want to learn about Judaism but I live in a rural town with no Jewish organizations. ...
A: You can get much information about Judaism online beginning with http://www.jewfaq.org/ and, for ...
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| noachide marriage | 3/15/2004 |
Q: how would a Noachide go about getting married? who would officiate the ceremony? would a Rabbi ...
A: I am sorry, but you are confusing the Noachide priciple with a religion. There is no such thing as a ...
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| messiah | 3/4/2004 |
Q: I recently went to see The Passion of Christ with some Gentile friends. I hated the movie and walked ...
A: A partial answer as to why Jesus was not the Messiah can be found at ...
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| My Grandmother was Jewish | 2/26/2004 |
Q: Is being Jewish a religion or a nationality? My husband is catholic but he's German..my grandmother ...
A: Judaism is a religion. If you have unbroken matrilineal descent and they were Jewish, then, ...
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| Messiah? | 2/7/2004 |
Q: Do Jews believe that a messiah will come? If so, what are the scriptures that tell of the coming ...
A: Yes, belief in a coming of a Messiah is part of Judaism, in fact, it was a concept created in ...
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| Clothing | 7/8/2003 |
Q: I am just currious to find out about the history regarding the little headpiece Jewish people wear? ...
A: The Texan has a Stetson, the British a Bowler, the Arab has a Kafiyah, the Turks a Fez, the muslim ...
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| Purpose | 7/7/2003 |
Q: What is the origin, purpose and goal of religion? Does belonging to, attending services in a temple ...
A: What is the origin of religion? Perhaps to gain an understanding of ourselves in relation to all of ...
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| the Messiah | 6/26/2003 |
Q: We are a Year 6 class at Whitgift School finishing a year's study of Judaism. We have some ...
A: In Judaism, the idea of Messiah is very literal to most and symbolic to some. It is stated by one of ...
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| "Books" of the Torah | 6/7/2003 |
Q: In relation to the Bible, which "books", one might say, make up the Torah?
A: The Jewish Bible consist of the following: Torah - The Law Bereshit - Genesis Shemot - Exodus ...
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| translating | 3/14/2003 |
Q: Shalom Rabbi, I have a prayer for rainbows which goes like this: "Blessed are you Eternal our God, ...
A: Sure, here it is in transliteration; Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha-0lahm, zoh-kher ha-b'rit ...
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| two questions~ | 3/10/2003 |
Q: i am a student at Thomas Edison State College in NJ and i have an assignment for Multicultural ...
A: Best things a person can do (not in any particular order of importance): 1- Be honest 2- Be faithful ...
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| Wedding | 3/2/2003 |
Q: My mother is under the impression that for the groom and guests at a wedding the kippot must be ...
A: Are there any restrictions, either by faith or tradition on the colour of the kippah? No. White may ...
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| A Messiah question | 2/11/2003 |
Q: I am sorry to ask this question again -- because I believe you have already responded -- but the ...
A: Name:LM Gold Subject: A Messiah question Question - Dear Rabbi: I am writing in response to your ...
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| burial | 2/11/2003 |
Q: My husband is orthodox and I am progressive, we have had a civil marriage ceremony but not a ...
A: What, in your understanding, is "progressive"? Is progressive what is referred to as "Reform or ...
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