Most Popular
1500 questions
14
votes
2 answers
May one walk under the Arch of Titus?
I have heard that it is prohibited (or at least that the custom is not) to walk under the Arch of Titus in Rome. Is this accurate? If so, what is the source? Would it make a difference if a large group were to march under it in an act of defiance?
Seth J
- 41,606
- 7
- 85
- 245
14
votes
2 answers
Mundane activities on Tisha B'Av
Tisha B'Av should be spent focusing on the destruction of Jerusalem and Beit haMikdash; but is it permissible to do daily chores as well? For example, this year, Tisha B'Av is postponed one day because of Shabbos, so naturally there will be dishes…
Daniel
- 24,888
- 3
- 48
- 148
14
votes
3 answers
Masada - heroic martyrdom or immoral murder/suicide?
Was the mass coordinated mutual killing at Masada (for lack of a better term) an act of heroic martyrdom or immoral murder and suicide?
While it is unknown for certain what exactly transpired, according to the only recorded history of it, nearly…
Seth J
- 41,606
- 7
- 85
- 245
14
votes
2 answers
Cryonics in Judaism
I was recently reading an article about cryogenics, there are around 200 bodies frozen in cryogenics labs around the world, and in the article they said that in the near future they may be able to resuscitate the bodies and bring them back to life.…
Ger
- 600
- 1
- 5
- 10
14
votes
2 answers
Who is the last prophet in Judaism?
Who is the last person regarded as a true prophet in Judaism? What was his time frame?
Gulshan
- 351
- 2
- 9
14
votes
2 answers
Jews were on 49th level of Tumah. Says who?
There is a well known idea that when the Jews left Egypt during the Exodus, they were on the "forty-ninth level of tumah". Many explanations are given for this and it is expounded upon at length by a number of great commentators and other…
jake
- 28,533
- 2
- 72
- 159
14
votes
3 answers
Was Judaism ever a proselytizing religion?
It is often asserted that up until the time of Constantine or so, Judaism was an actively proselytizing religion. This can be contrasted with the common practice today of rejecting potential converts until their utmost sincerity can be…
yoel
- 7,221
- 29
- 59
14
votes
1 answer
Can one follow the Mishnah Berurah without asking a shaila?
When one has a question in halacha and finds an answer in the Mishneh Berurah (or Aruch HaShulchan, or similar work), why can he follow the answer provided? Why doesn't he need to ask his rabbi first?
It seems to me that most people tend to "pasken…
Curiouser
- 7,901
- 2
- 35
- 45
14
votes
1 answer
Best way to translate "קא"
In the Aramaic of the Babylonian Talmud, there is a widely used word "קא", like in the sentence והא קא קרי (in Berahot 13:1).
What is the best way to translate it to Hebrew or English? Or maybe just skip it?
jutky
- 6,024
- 2
- 21
- 45
14
votes
2 answers
Halacha of Yichud with half sibling
May siblings of the opposite sex that share only one parent be secluded (yichud) with one another? Does it matter which parent they share?
alltheinterwebs
- 669
- 3
- 13
14
votes
4 answers
What is the halachic status of today's modern bathrooms?
Is a bathroom today considered a graf shel re'i? May one engaged in dvarim she'bikdusha (learning, praying etc.) opposite a bathroom with the door open if there is no waste in it?
not-allowed to change my name
- 12,380
- 1
- 35
- 90
14
votes
3 answers
If a person voids a purchase/sale, what happens to the Bracha?
You buy a new Talis and after you wear it you notice a defect. You want to return it to the store for a refund or replacement. However a person is only obligated in Tzitzis if he owns or borrows the garment. Now if you return it does this make the…
Gershon Gold
- 139,471
- 12
- 231
- 553
14
votes
3 answers
Why are the Meraglim in that order?
The meraglim (scouts) and their shevet (tribe) are listed in a strange order in Bemidbar 13:
Reuven
Shimon
Yehuda
Yissachar
Ephraim
Binyamin
Zevulun
(Of Yosef): Menashe
Dan
Asher
Naftali
Gad
As Ramban notes,
מנה הכתוב השבטים לא לדגליהם ולא…
josh waxman
- 20,700
- 44
- 86
14
votes
3 answers
Mesorah exchange between communities
Based on this thread
What exactly prevents Ashkenazim from accepting Mesorah from other communities on things that we have not done in our own community?
For example, what is it about the Mesorah of the Yemenites on locusts, as in the above linked…
Seth J
- 41,606
- 7
- 85
- 245
14
votes
7 answers
Which Chasidic group departed the least from Ashkenazi minhag and nusach?
Chasidic groups vary in terms of their siddur's differences from nusach Ashkenaz, as well as their general minhagim and hashkafic approaches.
Is there a Chasidic group which most closely matches the regional customs prior to the advent of…
yoel
- 7,221
- 29
- 59