no comments

Q. I’m having a hard time with G-d because of the Holocaust.

A. No doubt, the horrifying horrors of the Holocaust and the magnitude of its devastation leaves much questioning about why bad things happen to good people, and where was G-d, among other such legitimate and oft-asked questions.

But here’s something … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Is G-d Jewish?

A. How about this analogy: Think of G-d as the god of computing. There are Apple computers and PC’s. Think back to the day when these two systems were more unique and distinct and less compatible (when Macs couldn’t run … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Does G-d get Angry? Isn’t anger very unhealthy?

A. You showed me this in the prayerbook “G-d do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chastise me in Your rage.” That verse is from Psalms 6:1.

Yes, you are right that anger is a very unhealthy emotional response, … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. My roommate was born to a Jewish mother, but raised Catholic. How does Jewish law see it?

A. As Jewish, 100%! Now, she and her family obviously may see it very differently, but from our perspective, once a Jew is always a Jew. The definition of being a Jew is not defined by practice or observance or … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Where can I read up more about the special spirituality of the Jewish woman?

A. www.JewishWoman.org is a great website with lots of material. The Rebbe often spoke about the unique advantages of feminine spirituality and strongly encouraged the empowerment of women and their vital involvement in Jewish life. One aspect of this was … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. So the oil lasted longer than it should have. Why the celebration thousands of years later?

A. Miracles aren’t only a matter of convenience – the sea split so Jews could get to the other side. They aren’t mere problem solvers. When G-d interferes with the natural order He created, it is an infusion of Divine … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Can you recommend a good book on the virtues of personal modesty?

A. Here are my two of my favorites: (1) “Doesn’t Anyone Blush Anymore” by Rabbi Manis Friedman (2) “A Return to Modesty” by Wendy Shalit.  #1 is richer, deeper & more thoughtful, while #2 is more in touch with the … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. Is “Shame” a good trait or a bad trait?

A. Depends what you are ashamed about. Being bashful is “a trait of the descendants of Abraham” (Avot 5:19) and “the shame-faced go to Paradise” (Avot 5:20) stemming from humility. It is a sign of sensitivity to be bashful when … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. What’s the difference between Revenge and Punishment?

A. Revenge is a subjective, personal, wild form of justice, untempered by objectivity and truth. Often the focus of revenge is a sense of satisfaction or enjoyment, while punishment is about consequence, and a deterrent and hopefully also an attempt … Read the rest

...
no comments

Q. How do Jews view Satan?

A. Here’s a parable, quoted in Tanya from the Zohar. An older king had a young, wise son; loyal and handsome. The King hired the finest tutors to educate him, so that when the time would come he would be … Read the rest

...