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Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #677 How does reward and punishment work?

# Divine Judgment and Free Will in Jewish Thought: Understanding Moral Consequences and Spiritual Responsibility **What does Judaism teach about divine judgment and why events in the world are not random?** Jewish philosophy views the world as morally structured rather than chaotic. In this framework, divine judgment means that events—whether personal hardships or large-scale historical […]

The Book of Leviticus 18:4 Part 5 Be honest in all your actions

**Why does the Torah expect us to keep mitzvot even when we don’t understand them?** A central theme of this Torah study was the idea that mitzvot (commandments) are not merely ethical suggestions or spiritual self-help tools, but *divine decrees*. In Jewish philosophy, some laws make immediate sense, such as prohibitions against theft or dishonesty, […]

Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 58 Staying religious in a turbulent world https://www.youtube.com/live/6ahY4Jps1qs

Understanding the Yetzer Hara: A Conversation About Jewish Faith, Free Will, and Spiritual Growth What is the yetzer hara in Judaism, and how does the evil inclination work against spiritual growth? The yetzer hara—the evil inclination in Jewish thought—operates through a fascinating double strategy that targets our relationship with Hashem and Torah observance. It doesn’t […]

Ask the Rabbi-Q/A #676 Seasons greetings or happy holidays and praising professional athletes

# Jewish Law, Holiday Greetings, and Idolatry: Navigating Non-Jewish Culture Through Torah Values **How does Jewish law guide interactions with non-Jewish holidays and greetings?** Jewish law (halachah) is deeply concerned with how Jews engage the surrounding culture while remaining faithful to Torah values. One common modern question is how to respond when a non-Jew offers […]

Ask the Rabbi-Q/A #675 Why is lending with interest so bad and reincarnation

# Jewish Law on Loans, Interest, and Moral Responsibility: Understanding Torah Values in Everyday Life **What does the Torah teach about lending money with interest between Jews?** One of the clearest financial prohibitions in the Torah is the ban on lending money to another Jew with interest, a concept known as *ribit* (interest). In Jewish […]

Pirke Avos (Ethics of our fathers) Chapter 2 Mishna 16 Part 56 Living in the real world

# Pirkei Avot Chapter 2, Mishnah 16: Finding Purpose, Overcoming the Evil Inclination, and Living a Meaningful Jewish Life **What does Pirkei Avot teach about the evil inclination and spiritual growth?** Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) frequently addresses the inner struggle at the heart of Jewish spiritual life, and this teaching highlights the role […]

Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #674 Is gambling permitted and child education questions

# Jewish Perspectives on Gambling, Parenting, and Moral Responsibility: Navigating Complex Life Questions Through Torah Values **What does Judaism teach about gambling, and why is it considered so serious?** Jewish tradition takes a firm stance against gambling, viewing it as fundamentally problematic because it relies on uncertain outcomes rather than productive effort. Betting on elections, […]

Ask the Rabbi – Q/A #673 The role of men and women in a Jewish marriage

# Jewish Marriage Obligations and Spiritual Foundations: What Jewish Law Teaches About Marriage, Divorce, and Growth **What does Jewish law say about the obligation to get married?** Jewish tradition places strong emphasis on marriage as a central framework for living a purposeful, observant Jewish life. In the discussion, marriage is presented as a *mitzvah* (commandment), […]

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