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1500 questions
22
votes
7 answers
Where in Tanach is Shavuot associated with Matan Torah?
There is nowhere I can see in the tanach that associates Shavuot with Matan Torah.
However, we say in the prayers on Shavuot: "Z'man Matan Toratainu" (the time of the giving of the Torah).
Whenever Shavuot is mentioned in the Torah is it associated…
Naftali
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22
votes
2 answers
Do Jews need to care about non-Jewish homosexuality?
Since there is currently no way and/or need for Jews to administer capital punishment to gentiles who violate the 7 Noahide laws, is there any halachic reason for a Jew to care whether or not a non-Jew engages in homosexuality?
I am asking if there…
prophecy
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22
votes
5 answers
If masturbation is so bad, why is it not in list of 613 Mitzvos?
If masturbation is, as stated in the Shulchan Oruch (Even HaEzer 23:1), "the worst sin in the Torah", then why is it not listed in any of the various lists of 613 Mitzvos and why is there no verse in the Torah that mentions it directly ("Do not…
Baruch
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votes
2 answers
Lechem Mishneh by the Third Shabbos Meal
Is one required to have Lechem Mishneh by the Third Shabbos Meal?
yydl
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22
votes
5 answers
PTIJ: Can a Cohen go into a room with 60 or more sleeping people?
This is a question I heard in yeshiva: if sleep is a sixtieth of death:
שינה אחד מששים למיתה (Brochot 57b)
... then is a Cohen, who may not be in a room with a cadaver, allow into a room where 60+ people are sleeping?
This question is Purim Torah…
Rabbi Kaii
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22
votes
3 answers
Why don't we see magic today?
Throughout Tanach and Talmud, there are numerous recorded uses and practitioners of magic1.
From Pharaoh's magicians to Shaul's necromancer, and magic cucumbers to were-donkeys, the references are numerous. These are not only brought as stories,…
HodofHod
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22
votes
2 answers
Does Jewish Law Recognize Bankruptcy?
If someone borrowed money and then declared bankruptcy, does he still have a halachic obligation to pay it back?
If the lender was a corporation (bank, etc.).
If the lender was a friend.
Do we say that "Dina Dmalchusa" declared the loan…
ertert3terte
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22
votes
2 answers
PTIJ: Oscar the Grouch getting Tzara'at on his garbage can
If Oscar the Grouch gets Tzara'at on his garbage can, is that considered Tzara'at of clothing or Tzara'at of one's home?
This question is Purim Torah and is not intended to be taken completely seriously. See the Purim Torah policy.
Moshe
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22
votes
3 answers
What is a woman's obligation when it comes to T'fillah?
In Orthodox practice it is commonly thought that women are not obligated in T'fillah (parts of it anyway) due to its time-bound nature. However, what is a woman's obligation? Which prayers must she say and when must she say them? A list of some…
morah hochman
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22
votes
5 answers
PTIJ: Why is everyone here so angry?
I thought everybody here seemed like a nice bunch, and I had nothing to be afraid of, but I discovered in Tehillim I was wrong!
מִֽי־י֭וֹדֵעַ עֹ֣ז אַפֶּ֑ךָ וּ֝כְיִרְאָתְךָ֗ עֶבְרָתֶֽךָ
Mi Yodeya, your anger is furious, and your wrath matches the…
JewishMale
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22
votes
3 answers
Can you become "more tamei"? If not, why do we worry about it today?
Without the temple and access to the ritual of the red heifer, we're all tamei (ritually impure) today with no way to fix it. Yet we work to avoid situations that would make us tamei (e.g. kohanim still don't go near most dead, aside from close…
Monica Cellio
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22
votes
6 answers
Looking for more information about a story of positive atheism/heresy
In a 2006 article (original link no longer available), Rabbi Jonathan Sacks tells the following story:
“DO YOU believe,” the disciple asked the rabbi, “that God created everything for a purpose?”
“I do,” replied the rabbi.
“Well,” asked the…
Menachem
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21
votes
3 answers
Can I lend out a Library Book?
I just borrowed a wonderful book from the local library (let's assume Jewish library - but does it matter?). My friend sees the book and wants to read it. My library lets me keep the book for a week, so I figure "why not?"
Can I lend the book to my…
yydl
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21
votes
3 answers
Hypnosis in Halacha
Is there a proplem in the Halachic literature with hypnosis? What, if anything, is the issue involved in either hypnotising people or being the subject of such an hypnosis?
y-oy-y
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21
votes
2 answers
Scrolls on door frames - what are they called and what should I do?
I've moved into a new flat (apartment).
It has these small scrolls in containers on door frames outside and inside the apartment.
I am not Jewish.
I do want to be respectful of other people's beliefs.
What are these scrolls called? What should I do…
DanBeale
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