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3 answers
Potential issue with Theory on Divine Origins of Judaism?
The core of a theory is that since Judaism is based on events witnessed by something like 3,000,000 Jews, it is true, while other religions rely on an individual or a few individuals who experienced a supernatural event that they then spread word of…
Echad-Ani-Yodeya
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13
votes
5 answers
Where was Adam created?
The Torah tells us G-d brought Adam into Gan Eden after his creation from earth (Bereishis 2:15). If this is the case where was Adam created?
shmuel
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13
votes
2 answers
Is the Story About Members of Beis Shammai Killing Members of Beis Hillel True?
The Yerushalmi Talmud at Shabbos 1:4 has a mysterious passage speaking of a time when Beis Shammai literally violently out-dueled Beis Hillel:
Mishna: These are the laws they said in the attic of Hanania ben Hizkiya ben Gurion, when they went in to…
Bruce James
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13
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1 answer
Soft Matzah for Ashkenazim
The Rama in 460:4 writes that one should make thin matzos and the Mishna Brurah 16 writes it should be thin. Rav Nebontzol (in his notes on the Mishna Brurah) points out the Be'er Heitiv 8 which writes the custom is to make it an etzbah thick, yet…
sam
- 41,686
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13
votes
8 answers
Marrying a wife that is older than you?
What example is there in the Torah about (lichatchila i.e a priori according to halacha) marrying a wife that is years older than you?
hazoriz
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13
votes
6 answers
Intrinsic reasons for being observant
If a person doesn't care much about the reward in Olam Habah, what reasons does he have for being religious (learning torah and observing the mitzvot)?
As a parable, a businessman might not care about money, but he wants to work on creating…
Ani Yodea
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13
votes
4 answers
Why do we not shower every night?
The Gemara in Megillah 7b is clear:
חייב איניש לבסומי בפוריא
A person must smell good in bed
However, I have seen that people are not careful about this. In fact, I have known some Yeshiva students who are incredibly scrupulous in other areas of…
Y e z
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13
votes
1 answer
Can a mother taste her own breastmilk?
Can a mother drink/taste her own breastmilk?
I know theres an issur for a non-baby to drink directly from the breast; but, what about from a cup?
Further, if it is indeed assur (even from a cup), what about "tasting" it (i.e. to see if it's gone…
cube
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13
votes
2 answers
Learning Torah from a confirmed sinner?
A learned friend of mine is of the opinion that it is forbidden to learn from a Rabbi (or anyone else) who is known to have sinned. He used the example of a particular Rabbi caught in a scandal so malodorous he was forced to leave his community and…
Michael Sandler
- 5,470
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13
votes
3 answers
What does "Baruch shem k'vod malchuso l'olam vaed" mean?
A sentence commonly said during prayer is "בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד". How do we interpret it? What does it mean?
It sounds like it means:
Blessed is/be the name of the glory/honor of His kingdom forever and ever.
(Note:…
msh210
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13
votes
1 answer
Name changed due to illness - Does this necessitate a new Kesuba?
A man or a lady were ill and a name was added to their previous name. Would there be a need to write a new Kesuba? Is the Halacha the same by a man who has an added name as by a woman who has an added name? (sources)
Gershon Gold
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13
votes
3 answers
How did Achashveirosh not know that Esther was Jewish?
In the Megila, Esther is taken from the house of Mordechai - who was clearly known as a Jew, and then Mordechai is constantly expressing interest in Esther: (2:11)
ובכל יום ויום מרדכי מתהלך לפני חצר בית הנשים לדעת את שלום אסתר ומה יעשה
בה…
Gershon Gold
- 139,471
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13
votes
1 answer
What is the value of a (Kesuba) marriage contract?
In a regular Kesuba we give total 200 Zekukim Kesef. What is the value of that currently in US dollars? Also do you pay the value when you got married or the value at either death/divorce?
Gershon Gold
- 139,471
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13
votes
2 answers
Are sex change operations prohibited for non-Jews?
In very specific situations some halachic decisors have permitted sex change operations, such as for infants born with some types of genital anomalies. However, the consensus seems to be that they are generally forbidden, at least for Jews. This is…
user3318
13
votes
4 answers
What's an elegant way to avoid social contact with untzinius or attractive women?
There's times when women I'm attracted to visit our home or are friends of my wife and I don't feel comfortable completely ignoring them or telling my wife to not invite them. I'm not sure how my wife will react to raising this issue. Any ideas how…
AkivaK
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