Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #694 Do non-Jews have hashgacha pratis and were the patriarchs Jewish?
Divine Providence and Jewish Conversion: Understanding Hashgacha Pratit, Repentance, and Jewish Identity What does Jewish tradition mean by Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit)? In Jewish philosophy, the concept of Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) refers to the belief that God is actively aware of and involved in what happens in the world. In the discussion, Chaim explained […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #693 Should we honor non-religious people?
Minyan, Prayer, and Jewish Belief: What Jewish Law Teaches About Who Can Join a Synagogue Service Why does Jewish tradition emphasize praying with a minyan instead of praying alone? In Jewish practice, communal prayer—known as tefillah b’tzibur (public prayer)—holds special spiritual significance. A minyan, the quorum required for certain synagogue prayers, traditionally consists of ten […]
The Book of Leviticus Chapter 18:4 Part 13 The power of mitzvos
# Mitzvot, Repentance, and Spiritual Renewal: Jewish Insights from Leviticus on Transforming the Soul **Meta Description:** Explore how mitzvot transform the body and soul, the spiritual meaning of Yom Kippur’s clean slate, and how faith and prayer strengthen Jewish resilience in difficult times. — ## **How do mitzvot affect a person’s body and soul according […]
Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 65 Don’t separate from the community and seeing the bigger picture
Jewish Dating and Marriage in Pirkei Avot: Shared Values, Bashert, and Building a Lasting Jewish Home What does Pirkei Avot teach about hatred and separating from the Jewish community? Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), a classic work of Jewish philosophy and mussar (ethical teachings), emphasizes the importance of unity and character development within the […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #692 How G-d runs the world
Jewish Family Conflict, Inheritance, and Faith: Torah Perspectives on Gratitude, Destiny, and Difficult Relationships Why do inheritance disputes create such deep emotional pain in families? Inheritance disputes can be among the most painful conflicts in family relationships because they touch more than just money—they often trigger feelings of rejection, favoritism, and emotional neglect. From a […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #691 Why do we drink on Purim and evaluating evidence
Purim Drinking and Jewish Law: Joy, Restraint, and Critical Thinking in Torah Life What is the mitzvah of drinking wine on Jewish holidays — and is it really about getting drunk? In Torah life, the mitzvah (commandment) of drinking wine on certain Jewish holidays — such as Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and especially Purim — is […]
The Book of Leviticus Chapter 18:4 Part 12 The light of Torah and dealing with trials and tribulations
Mitzvot as Spiritual Light: How Torah Illuminates Life, Character, and Time ## **What does Judaism mean when it says mitzvot are like a “candle”?** Jewish philosophy often compares mitzvot (commandments) to a candle that brings light into darkness. This metaphor teaches that every positive action a person performs creates spiritual illumination. Just as a candle […]
Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 64 What is unlawful hatred?
# Unlawful Hatred in Judaism: Pirkei Avos on Judging Others, Respect, and Spiritual Responsibility ## **What is “unlawful hatred” according to Pirkei Avos and Jewish philosophy?** In Jewish ethics, *sinat chinam* (unlawful or baseless hatred) refers to harboring negative feelings toward another person without a justified reason. The discussion of this concept in Pirkei Avos […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #690 Who is good?
# Jewish Charity, Conversion, and Divine Judgment: Understanding Torah Standards for True Goodness ## **What does Judaism teach about giving charity, and how much should a person give?** In Jewish law, giving charity, known as *tzedakah* (righteous giving), is not viewed as optional generosity but as a religious obligation. Jewish tradition teaches that a person […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #689 Does a Jew have a choice about being Jewish?
# Jewish Free Will, Suffering, and the Soul: Understanding Choice, Covenant, and Divine Purpose ## **Do Jews have a choice to be Jewish, or is Jewish identity permanent?** In Jewish philosophy, being Jewish is both an identity and a covenant. A person born Jewish is part of an eternal agreement with God known as the […]