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1500 questions
13
votes
1 answer
Are we allowed to ask someone if he's a convert?
I remember learning that we are forbidden to "remind a convert of his past". The implication, as I remember it, is reminding someone that he used to be an idolater. (Though not all converts were.) As a result, I was taught, we can't ask somebody…
Monica Cellio
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4 answers
Would a convert/Ba'al Teshuvah have to remove any tattoos they may have?
A Jew is prohibited from tattooing himself. If a person with tattoos were to convert to Judaism, would they be required to have the tattoos removed?
Would a Jew who got a tattoo and later repented be required to have it removed?
Seth J
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13
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7 answers
Challah Friday Night
When you make Hamotzi on Shabbos you use the top Challah. However, on Friday night you use the bottom. Therefore, so as not to pass over the Mitzvah you hold the bottom one closer.
My question is why on Friday night do we use the bottom and not the…
SimchasTorah
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What defines "on this earth" from a halachic standpoint?
Rabbi Ben-Zion Firrer asked whether Torah Law must be observed in space, since Deuteronomy 12:1 says one should follow the Commandments "all of the days which you are alive on this earth."
What defines "on this earth" as it relates to the halachic…
SAH
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13
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1 answer
Spitting at the High Priest on Yom Kippur
My question might sound a little complicated, but it actually boils down to something very simple: does anybody know of any references to a kohen gadol (a high priest) performing the procedure of chalitzah on Yom Kippur itself? My reasons for…
Shimon bM
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13
votes
3 answers
Why omit "Av harachamim" for the four parashiyos?
"Av harachamim" is a prayer asking God to recall those who died al kidush hashem. It was written in response to the First Crusade (and is thus said only in the Ashk'nazi rite). Because of its somber topic (or origin), it is omitted on various joyous…
msh210
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4 answers
Why are people going back to paskining like the Rambam?
I have heard personally (and seen in chat) people (who are not Teimanim [for whom there is a tradition to rule like the Rambam]) ruling like the Rambam. I have heard that he has the authentic tradition, etc.
Why are people going back to the Rambam…
ertert3terte
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13
votes
5 answers
Is Halal Meat Kosher?
Muslims slaughter a Cow by saying "Bismillah, Allahu Akbar" meaning : "In the name of Allah , Allah is Great"" and follow the Zabiha (shechita) procedure to make it Halal.
Some salient point of the Zabiha procedure:
1) The animal must be alive when…
knowit
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votes
2 answers
Are you Yotzei Mikrah Megillah if you're spacing out?
The Mishnah in Megillah (2:2) says that one who reads the megillah while semi-asleep ('מתנמנם') is yotzei. The gemara comments (18b):
מתנמנם יצא וכו': היכי דמי מתנמנם אמר רב אשי נים ולא נים תיר ולא תיר דקרו ליה ועני ולא ידע לאהדורי סברא וכי מדכרו…
Ariel K
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13
votes
1 answer
Loshon Hara against public Jewish and non-Jewish figures
Both American and Israeli politics, and of course those of other democracies, can include a lot of personal attacks, both true and untrue, including innuendo about possible adultery, gay or straight, inappropriate behavior privately and/or publicly,…
Bruce James
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13
votes
5 answers
Is Extra virgin olive oil kosher by default?
I was given extra virgin olive oil as a gift from Italy (picture below), and I wanted to see if that type of olive oil is treated like fruits and vegetables, or does it needs to have certification on the label.
leora
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votes
4 answers
How is giyur le’chumra different from a standard conversion in practice?
I am interested to know how giyur le’chumra is different from a standard conversion in practice? Does anyone have any personal experiences?
My understanding of the meaning of giyur le’chumra (from an article I found on Torah Lab) is as…
Simd
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votes
4 answers
Tachanun without a Sefer Torah
Recently I began davening mincha with a minyan that meets in college. When it comes to Tachanun, what is the correct procedure if there's no Sefer Torah in the room [and building]?
yydl
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13
votes
1 answer
Does a cholent bag/aluminum foil take away the need to tovel the pot?
If no food touches it, does it need to be toveled (immersed in mikvah)?
cube
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13
votes
6 answers
Can a convert be a prophet?
I don't think there were any gerim amongst the nevi'im, but would it have been possible?
yoel
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