Animal Castration- We have a 9-month-old dog that the vet said should be castrated due to his hyperactive and obsessive behavior. We know that according to Judaism, a dog should not be castrated. But in this instance the dog may have to… More »
Animal Offerings Today- I was reading the Book of Leviticus and this got me wondering: Why don't Jews bring animal offerings today? I know there is no Holy Temple in Jerusalem, but does that prevent any offerings from being done? More »
Animal Souls- I have a dog that I love dearly. She has brought joy to my life and brought smiles to the faces of many. I've heard many people say that animals don't have souls or that their souls are different from… More »
Animals - Euthanasia- My cat is very sick with cancer, and our veterinarian asked me for permission to put him to sleep. Is it proper to do so to spare the animal pain? Isn’t it really up to God to decide when it… More »
Atonement Today- I am a bit shocked by the Bible's emphasis on animal offerings. It seems quite violent and inhumane. Is that really what Judaism teaches? More »
Blessing on Niagara Falls- We’re planning a trip to Canada soon and we’ll be stopping at Niagara Falls. Is there a blessing to say on such an awesome sight? More »
Carnivorous Animals- Why did God create the world that some animals are carnivorous – and hunt and kill other animals for their food? Couldn’t the world have been created differently? More »
Checking Eggs for Blood Spots- What is the issue with checking eggs for blood spots? If I buy a package of eggs which is certified kosher, is this necessary? More »
Cutting Down Fruit Trees- We have a canistel (or eggfruit) tree our backyard which we’d like to get rid of. We do not eat its fruit, and the fruit and leaves make a constant mess. I haven’t found anyone who is interested in its… More »
Environmental Protection- Is there a source in the Torah for being environmentally conscious? Do you feel we should be drilling for oil in Alaska? We are doing research project for school and I would appreciate your help. More »
Hunting- I always thought that was hunting was not a Jewish sport. But I recently read about a rabbi who took his congregants on a hunting safari of sorts. Is this acceptable? More »
Is Seeing a Rainbow Good or Bad?- Is seeing a rainbow a good or a bad thing? On the one hand, it’s a majestic creation of God and a beautiful natural phenomenon. On the other, we are taught that it’s a sign God wants to destroy the… More »
Killing Insects- I have noticed a large increase in the number of insects and other unwanted creatures in my house. Without thinking I automatically squash and kill them. I'm not sure if swatting a fly is the same as cruelly hunting a… More »
Meat After the Flood- Why was man permitted to eat meat after the Flood (Genesis 9:2-3)? Does the fact that at his creation man was not allowed to eat meat indicate that this is the ideal state of man? But if so, what changed… More »
Mice and Uncleanness- I’m very uncomfortable. Our house is infested with mice and I know the Torah says that mice are unclean. Does this mean I shouldn’t be living in my house? Am I not allowed to eat food they come in contact… More »
Passover Pet Food- I recently got a pet dog and am not sure what to feed it over Passover. He is used to our food, however he does need his artificial bones or he will chew the furniture instead! What are the laws… More »
Perfect World?- How do you answer the person who thinks that the reason nature is perfect is because it couldn't exist otherwise? The argument being that all the imperfect forms of nature were almost immediately wiped out and what was left is… More »
Purpose of Animals- It is my understanding that God created everything for a reason, and yet it seems that creatures such as ants, flies and mosquitoes only do bad – spoiling food, spreading bacteria and diseases. Should we try to preserve these species,… More »
The Cruel Death of the Scapegoat- In the Yom Kippur service with the two goats, it bothers me that one of the goats – the se’ir la’azazel – is taken out to be pushed off a cliff. The Mishna (Yoma 6:6) teaches that it was dashed… More »
Vegetarianism- For the past few years, I have been eating meat only once a week. God made it possible for us to use animals, and I understand the essential use for leather shoes and vitamin B12 found in meat. But I… More »
Walking a Dog on Shabbat- We have a neighbor who isn’t well, so lately we’ve been walking his dog for him. Are we allowed to take her out on Shabbat as well? There is no eiruv where we live. More »
Welcoming Guests- I'm a recent convert to Judaism, and one of the things that impresses me the most about the Jewish community is the way people have so generously opened their homes to me as a guest for Shabbat and holiday meals.… More »
Will There be Sacrifices in the Third Temple?- Will there be sacrifices in the Third Temple? I heard that they were only necessary in the olden days when people were more primitive and felt a need to offer sacrifices to God, as the pagans of the time were… More »
Raise a Glass to Freedom
