Cheating on Tests – Repentance– I cheated on a school test recently and I feel guilty about it. What should I do now? Should I confess to the teacher?More »
Children Punished for Sins of Parents– How do we understand verses such as Exodus 20:5 (in the Ten Commandments) that God punishes not only sinners, but their descendants till four generations? How is it possibly fair to punish children for that which they did not do?More »
Court Punishments– I recently heard a rabbi speak about returning stolen funds. He said that rather than calling the police, the money could be returned anonymously. What is wrong with facing any criminal charges that you may deserve? Isn't that a part…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 »
God's Will– Why do many people say in response to certain situations, "It is God's will." How can any human say with certainty what is or isn't God's will? To know God's will, wouldn't one have to know God's mind? I think…More »
Life's Big Picture– My credo in life has always been: Work hard, plan, and struggle. Yet I find that things often just end up a big mess. The righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. How can the pieces of this puzzle possibly fit…More »
Angels– What does Judaism say about angels? Are they involved in our lives? I've always felt like I have a guardian angel, but I'd like to know more. Does it have a name? How do I communicate with it?More »
Elijah’s Ascent to Heaven– I’m trying to understand what exactly occurred when Elijah was taken up in a fiery chariot (II Kings 2:11). The Torah states that he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind. Was this a form of death? Elijah is…More »
Mazal Tov!– I am not Jewish, but I frequently hear the words "Mazal Tov" at a wedding or on television. What is the origin of this expression?More »
Identifying as a Jew
