Kabbala From: David Z. Dear Rabbi, What is Kabbala and its history in Judaism? May we learn Kabbala today? Dear David, Kabbala literally means “received” because true understanding of it is only possible through tradition handed down from master to disciple. Also known as Sod, (meaning secret) or Sitrei Torah, (the hidden aspects of Torah),[…]
From: Margie in MA Dear Rabbi, Why do religious people seem to have an aversion to pets? Dear Margie, Your question is not a petty one. There are undoubtedly significant benefits to owning pets. Children can learn responsibility and sensitivity by caring for pets. Pets bring joy into the home and also can provide company[…]
From: Jeffrey B. Sidney Dear Rabbi, Many of the seemingly simple things leave me wondering. We use the word “kadosh” or “holy” often in our prayers, as in the kedushah or in the third blessing of the shemoneh esreh. But what does it mean? I have asked knowledgeable individuals a number of times over the[…]
From: Scott in Dallas, TX Dear Rabbi, I was told that according to Jewish Law a person must work for a living. If so, how do those people who only study Torah all day justify their lifestyles? Dear Scott, At first glance it would seem that what you were told is correct. Rambam (Talmud Torah,[…]
From: Mordechai in Jerusalem Dear Rabbi, Please give me a clue about how the patriarchs found out the details of the Torah before it was given at Sinai. Dear Mordechai, In G‑d’s promise to give the Land of Israel to Isaac and his offspring, G‑d explained the reason is “Because Abraham obeyed My voice, and[…]
From: Ira in Florida Dear Rabbi, Here in Florida the husband of a woman in a persistent vegetative state won the right to ‘pull the plug’ and allow her to die. Her parents opposed this request. What is your position on the right to die and living wills in which a person leaves instructions for[…]
From: Shirley in Denver Dear Rabbi, The Torah says that man must return to dust. Does this necessarily mean burial, or could cremation also be acceptable? Dear Shirley, In the previous segment I discussed the obligation of Burial. In this segment I’ll discuss the prohibition against cremation. In Judaism, burning of the human body is[…]
From: Shirley in Denver Dear Rabbi, The Torah says that man must return to dust. Does this necessarily mean burial, or could cremation also be acceptable? Dear Shirley, Your question involves two issues, burial and cremation. In this segment I’ll discuss burial; in the next segment, Cremation. The requirement to bury the dead is from[…]