Basis of Jewish Belief- I am proud of my Jewish identity, but I don’t get this whole thing about Jewish tradition and observance. I enjoy Jewish music, and have a lot of Jewish friends. Isn’t that enough? More »
Being Conspicuously Jewish- Please help me understand why Jews continue to identify themselves publicly. With all the violence towards Jews for thousands of years shouldn't we stop making ourselves a target? More »
Few in Number- I'm doing research on Jewish history and I came across an amazing statistic: when the Common Era began, Jews comprised 10 percent of the Roman Empire. Yet somehow the number of Jews today has failed to keep pace with the… More »
Inferior Class of Jews?- My wife and I were married by a rabbi who also performed our son's Bris. Our son is now six years old – and I believe he meets all the criteria for Pidyon Ha’Ben. When I contacted our rabbi regarding… More »
Is Jewish Law Unchanging?- I am writing to take issue with some language in your Ask the Rabbi answers that I personally believe is loaded in a way designed to lend a degree of certitude to one viewpoint that I don't believe history or… More »
Jewish Power- I recently read The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by Walt and Mearsheimer, which makes the case that Israel and the Jews control the world – exerting a highly-disproportionate influence in the media, foreign policy, and big business. I… More »
Moses' Horns- I am taking an art appreciation class and we recently studied Michelangelo's statue of Moses, which is adorned with horns. This has anti-Semitic overtones and I am wondering where this idea got started? More »
Star of David- Why does the Jewish star have six points? The Encyclopedia of Judaica explained it is from King David's time, and that it was shaped like the hexagon. This answer did not sit well with me. Perhaps you have other sources… More »
The Holocaust: Why?- The pain and tragedy of the Holocaust is so enormous and unfathomable. Why did it happen? More »
Who is a Mamzer?- My mother has, unfortunately, been through a number of marriages and other living-together arrangements. This has produced a hodge-podge of children from different fathers. I actually was conceived through an affair that my mother had, and she has never revealed… More »
Raise a Glass to Freedom
