From: Henrietta Dear Rabbi, When we observe the animal world, it appears that there is a great degree of meanness and viciousness. A predator tears and mutilates its prey. How can a compassionate G‑d sanction this? And if it is nevertheless acceptable to G‑d, why is this behavior not condoned in mankind. Contrarily, if G‑d[…]
From: Robert Dear Rabbi, I recently bought a new house. In anticipation of placing mezuzot (which I’ve learned are not the decorative boxes but rather the handwritten Torah passages on parchment placed inside the boxes), my family and I were discussing possible meanings for affixing mezuzot on the doorposts of one’s house. I suggested that[…]
From: Alexy Dear Rabbi, I was in an airport traveling with my family and saw a rabbi praying in the departure area before the flight. I explained to my son that a rabbi is a holy and learned person, and that it is important to show respect to the rabbi. I also told my son[…]
From: John Thundercloud Dear Rabbi, I appreciate your informative and straight-forward answer to my question about Judaism and Native Americans. I don’t necessarily agree with everything that you wrote, but I was certainly intrigued by your perspective. In fact, I have a follow-up question on your conclusion regarding Judaism’s non-acceptance of the pantheistic nature of[…]
From: John Thundercloud Dear Rabbi, Might Judaism or Jewish people have special sympathy for the plight of Native Americans insofar as the Indians are also ancient peoples who were forcibly exiled from their ancestral land by a mighty European nation intent on eradicating their unique belief system, way of life, culture and language? Dear John[…]
From: M.S. Dear Rabbi, I have a question about the description of the circular brass pool in the Temple as stated in verse I Kings 7:23. The verse says that this pool was 10 cubits across and 30 cubits around. If so, then either G‑d doesn’t seem to know the value of “pi”, or the[…]
From: Jo Anne Dear Rabbi, Shalom! Can you please give me some information on the origins and history of Sefardic and Ashkenazic Jews? Though I am not Jewish, I enjoy your posts, and think they are very informative and thorough! Blessings and thanks. Dear Jo Anne, Thank you for your interest, encouragement, and kind words.[…]
From: Paula Dear Rabbi, According to Judaism, is physical beauty a quality to be valued for women, or is the main thing to be righteous? If it’s righteousness that is to be valued, then why does the Torah praise Sarah for her beauty? Dear Paula, One of the well-known verses of the chapter of Proverbs,[…]
From: Vicky Dear Rabbi, As we approach the holiday of Shavuot commemorating the receiving of the Torah, would you please explain how and when the first Torah scroll was actually written? Dear Vicky, The Talmudic Sages (Gittin 60a) actually differ about this point. In the view of one opinion, the Torah was written on separate[…]
From: Michael Dear Rabbi, Mother’s Day is coming up and I’m wondering if there’s any Jewish basis for celebrating the day in the customary fashion. Or maybe the way Mother’s Day is celebrated is not the Jewish way. Dear Michael, First, let’s briefly explore the history of the modern holiday of Mother’s Day. It was[…]