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. […]
Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 62 How far does the obligation to keep mitzvos go?
# Keeping Mitzvot Despite Struggle: Pirkei Avot on Obligation, Discipline, and Spiritual Growth **Why is it harder to keep mitzvot when you are commanded to do them?** Jewish tradition teaches a powerful principle: the **yetzer hara** (evil inclination) fights hardest against those who are obligated to fulfill Torah commandments. In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #687 Can you put money in a trust and why do people not keep Torah and mitzvos?
# Jewish Ethics, Taxes, and Intermarriage: Torah Values on Morality, Faith, and Jewish Identity **What does Jewish law say about minimizing taxes using trusts or offshore accounts?** In discussions about estate planning, many people wonder how Torah values relate to modern financial strategies. Jewish tradition recognizes a distinction between what is **legal** and what is […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #686 Does a tooth or amputated part of the body need to be buried?
# Jewish Burial Laws and Halachic Questions: Understanding the Sanctity of the Body in Jewish Tradition **Based on Ask the Rabbi – Q&A #686 with :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}** — ## **What does Jewish law say about burial, and why is burial in the ground so important?** Jewish law (halacha) places immense importance on burial in the ground, […]
The Book of Leviticus Chapter 18:4 Part 9 Sinning affects the whole body
# Holiness, Mitzvot, and Spiritual Integrity: Lessons from Leviticus Chapter 18 **What does Leviticus Chapter 18 teach about holiness and the spiritual impact of our actions?** Leviticus chapter 18 focuses on holiness (kedushah) and the responsibility to avoid immorality as a foundation of an observant Jewish life. In this teaching, Chaim explains that holiness is […]
Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 61 Why is it so bad to waste time?
# Pirkei Avos and Spiritual Focus: Overcoming Distraction, Modesty, and Jewish Responsibility **Based on Pirkei Avos (Ethics of Our Fathers), Chapter 2, Mishna 16** — **What does Pirkei Avos Chapter 2, Mishna 16 teach about the evil inclination?** Pirkei Avos (Ethics of Our Fathers) Chapter 2, Mishna 16 addresses the *yetzer hara* (evil inclination) and […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #685 Who is a talmid chacham and how do you take terumah and maaser?
# What Makes a True Rabbinic Scholar? Torah Knowledge, Character, and Responsibility in Jewish Thought ## **What does Judaism mean by a “Talmid Chacham” (rabbinic scholar)?** In Jewish tradition, a *Talmid Chacham* (Torah scholar) is not defined by intelligence alone or by holding a title. In this discussion, Chaim explains that while extensive **Torah study** […]
Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #684 What are noahides allowed to do? Did King David and Solomon sin?
# Conversion to Judaism and Observing Mitzvot: Boundaries, Patience, and Spiritual Integrity ## **Can a non-Jew observe Shabbat before converting to Judaism?** This question comes up frequently among people exploring **conversion to Judaism**, especially those who feel deeply drawn to Shabbat and Jewish life. In this discussion, Rabbi Chaim explains that intentionally keeping **Shabbat** (Shabbos) […]
The Book of Leviticus 18:4 Part 8 Where are our morals today?
# Torah Study on Forbidden Relationships: Leviticus 18 and the Challenge of Jewish Values in Modern Society **What is the focus of Leviticus chapter 18 in Torah study?** This session centered on The Book of Leviticus (Vayikra) chapter 18, which addresses forbidden relationships and moral boundaries. Chaim explained that the Torah presents laws that are […]