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 […]
The Book of Leviticus Chapter 18:4 Part 11 How does olam haba work?
# Hilul HaShem and Spiritual Consistency: Torah Lessons from Leviticus on Reputation, Repentance, and Jewish Responsibility **What does Judaism teach about remaining righteous over a lifetime?** Jewish philosophy emphasizes that righteousness is not defined by past achievements alone but by a person’s current actions. A central idea discussed is that even someone who has lived […]
Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 63 What am I living for?
# Evil Inclination and Reward in Pirkei Avot: Faith, Effort, and Life’s Trials in Jewish Thought **What does Pirkei Avot teach about the evil inclination and human struggle?** Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), especially Chapter 2, Mishna 16, explores the powerful role of the **yetzer hara** (evil inclination) in shaping human behavior. Jewish philosophy […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #688 Do my thoughts matter?
# Intentions vs. Actions in Jewish Law: Torah Ethics, Thoughts, and Responsibility **Does Judaism punish a person for bad thoughts or intentions alone?** Jewish law generally makes a clear distinction between **thoughts** and **actions**. According to Torah ethics, a person is typically not punished for harmful intentions unless those thoughts involve certain uniquely serious areas. […]
The Book of Leviticus 18:4 Part 10 Walking in G-d’s ways and the mitzvah of shiluach haken
# Divine Decrees and Mitzvot: Understanding Torah Commands Beyond Logic **Why does Judaism require keeping mitzvot that don’t seem logical?** One of the most fundamental ideas in Jewish philosophy is that many mitzvot are understood as **gezeirot** (divine decrees). This means they are commands from God that may not always have an obvious rational explanation. […]