Exodus - Blood on the Doorpost– The Torah describes (Exodus 12:6-7) how each Hebrew family designates a lamb, and sets it aside. On the evening of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, they slaughter the lamb, roast and eat it. The lambs' blood is placed…More »
Faith vs. Knowledge– My Christian friends are always speaking about “faith.” To me this sounds a lot like blind faith. Is that really the essence of religion?More »
God's Promises– Has God failed us? I have read repeatedly where God promised the Jews to be a great nation, yet today Israel is struggling for survival, and Jews in the Diaspora are assimilating in record numbers. I don't understand and my…More »
Acting in the Image of God– I often see a reference to people being “created in the image of God.” I think this is a beautiful way to treat others, but I don't always see people acting this way. Your thoughts would be appreciated.More »
Biblical Criticism– I have heard many arguments for a multiple authorship/editing of the Torah. Is there any reason to doubt the seemingly convincing conclusions of the secular university Bible scholars? Are there contemporary Biblical scholars of note who dissent from the "unanimous"…More »
Can God Lift the Rock?– Can God terminate His own existence? I've asked many people, and the only (unsatisfying) answer I got was: "Why would He want to?"More »
Bar Mitzvah Speech– I have to speak at my nephew’s Bar Mitzvah in a few weeks. Can you give me some suggestions what I should talk about?More »
Finite Praise of God?– I am so grateful to God for all He has done for me. I try to verbally acknowledge this several times a day. But sometimes I feel that my words are inadequate. Any suggestions?More »
Five Levels of Pleasure - Source– I really enjoyed reading Rabbi Weinberg's “Five Levels of Pleasure.” I studied in yeshiva but I never encountered this anywhere before. What is the source of these famous “Five Levels”?More »
Effort versus Trust in God– I heard a joke about a man who wants to win the lottery. Each week he prays to win, and after many weeks go by, he finally complains to God, "Why haven't I won?" Replies God, "You should have bought…More »
Abraham Bowing– When the three angels came to Abraham posing as guests, he bowed before them. He did the same before the Hittites when he purchased a burial site for Sarah. Isn’t bowing a form of idolatry?More »
Dolls, Figurines– Are having dolls or figurines a contradiction to the Torah’s command not to have images?More »
Enosh, Calling God’s Name, and the Origins of Idolatry– I was studying the book of Genesis and came across the statement that in the time of Enosh, Adam’s grandson, mankind began calling in the name of God (4:26). Can you explain to me what that’s all about and if…More »
Identifying as a Jew
