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11
votes
2answers
328 views

What should I be aware of when using the term “Jew”?

As a gentile who finds himself writing about Judaism in the ancient world, I've found myself reluctant to use the word "Jew". I tend to use phrases like "Jewish people" and "Hebrew" when it makes ...
8
votes
1answer
82 views

Why is it considered respectful to capitalize G-d and its derivatives/pronouns?

I recognize that in English proper nouns are supposed to be capitalized, especially in the case where a proper noun is also a common noun (e.g. the mall vs. the Mall), but only when referring to G-d ...
6
votes
3answers
182 views

Practical guide to the Brisker method in English?

Is there a book that serves as a practical guide in English to applying the Brisker method of learning Gemara?
6
votes
0answers
85 views

Seeking Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal in English

Is the Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal available in English? I have already read Derech HaShem, Daas Tevunos, Mesillas Yesharim, and Ma'amar HaGeulas, so I would be interested in other of his works in ...
6
votes
2answers
783 views

Online English Rashi (Talmud)

Is there an English translation of Rashi's commentary on the Talmud available online?
4
votes
3answers
248 views

What is the origin for Reform to call their synagogues a “Temple”?

Why does Reform typically call it a Temple, vs a Beit Knesset, a Beit Sefer, or a shul? I imagine the Hebrew would have been the obvious go to, if they chose to ignore the yiddush. Not that I know ...
4
votes
2answers
139 views

Copula insertion in “Jewish American vernacular English”

What explains the unnecessary insertion of copulas before Hebrew and Yiddish participles used in English contexts? For example, why the common formulation "he is yotze" rather than simply "he yotze"? ...
4
votes
2answers
264 views

English translation of Sefer Machaneh Yisrael

Is there an English translation (preferably online) of the Chofetz Chaim's sefer Machaneh Yisrael (a guide for Jewish army conscripts), or other English works on the same topic?
4
votes
1answer
142 views

Source for story about The Rabbi and the prostitute

I learned a great Gemara about a rabbi who visited a famous prostitute. But before he consummated the deal, his tallitot slapped him on the face, reminding him of his faith. Where's the story? Any ...
4
votes
1answer
135 views

What happened to the rest of masechet Meilah — it ends at 22a but the daf yomi calendar says it goes to 37?

This daf yomi calendar says that Meilah goes to 37, so I was surprised to discover that my digital copy of the Soncino edition of talmud ends it at 22a. This is also true of the copy at halakhah.com, ...
4
votes
1answer
77 views

Changing the spelling of “G-d” and Halachic erasure

Is there a problem of "erasing the name of HaShem" if you erase the English word spelled G-o-d, and if so, is there then a problem of erasing it in order to spell it in a more acceptable way (such as ...
3
votes
1answer
499 views

English translation of Rambam's Moreh Nevuchim (Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed) on the Internet?

Is there an English translation on the Internet of Rambam's philosophic treatise on Jewish philosophy, Moreh Nevuchim?
3
votes
1answer
60 views

What does “Comp.” at the end of a posuk's translation mean?

I.e. 201 results for Comp. here: http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Guide_for_the_Perplexed_(Friedlander)/Part_III/Chapters#CHAPTER_XLVI I assume it means "end of verse" or something?
3
votes
2answers
139 views

G'dalya Gumber provenance

There's a popular song about G'dalya Gumber (spelling?), who is "seventeen feet tall" and who "ain't gonna work on Saturday", not even for "double, double, triple pay". Who wrote and who published ...
2
votes
4answers
540 views

What's the difference between “Jew”, “Israelite” and “Judaizer”?

What's the difference between "Jew", "Israelite" and "Judaizer"? Can these three terms be used interchangeably? Can only one or only two of these terms be applied to one person?
2
votes
3answers
154 views

Good place in Israel for English-speakers

I currently live in Neve Yaakov, but it's getting expensive. Does anyone know of a good community in Israel for English-speakers, with a diversity of people, yet with a strong sense of community (not ...
2
votes
3answers
117 views

Translation of the word “nimshal”

Rabbinic writings (e.g. * Rabbah and other midrash) use the words "mashal" (noun) and "nimshal" (verb). What do these terms mean in English? I've heard "parable" or "allegory" for the noun but I am ...
2
votes
2answers
158 views

Is there a problem with JPS?

JPS is the 1917 translation of Tanakh from the Jewish Publication Society, NJPS (New JPS) is the 1985 renewed edition to "reflect contemporary scholarship." The NJPS has the best English translation ...
2
votes
1answer
39 views

Hyphenating the word Hashem

I've seen the word Hashem hyphenated ("Hash-m"). Is there any valid reason for this practice?
2
votes
2answers
73 views

Is there a translation of the words of Ben Sira?

Is there an authoritative translation into English of the works of Ben Sira (his wisdom, his alphabet)?
2
votes
1answer
196 views

How do the English translations of the Mishnah vary?

I am aware of three (!) English translations of the Mishnah, there is the Philip Blackman translation, the Danby translation and the Jacob Neusner translation. How do these three translations differ? ...
1
vote
3answers
132 views

What differentiates the Artscroll Talmud compared to other translations?

The Artscroll Talmud, translated with copious notes into both English and Modern Hebrew, has received wide approval from all sectors of the orthodox world. In fact, I am not aware of any opposition, ...
1
vote
2answers
278 views

What's wrong with 'Hip Hip Hooray'?

When cutting the cake at a Jewish birthday party, or other celebrations when a cheer is called for, 'Hip Hip, Hooray!' is never used but rather the Hebrew 'Heyach!' 'Heydad!'. It seems to be a great ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views

Translation of Kuntres Tiferes Adam

Is there a English translation version of Kuntres Tiferes Adam by the Chofetz Chaim? Is there an online version as well?
-4
votes
2answers
213 views

Why do people say “God” in English and not “Gosh”?

When people speak Hebrew, they say Hashem instead of Y-HVH, because saying His name is impossible/forbidden. Additionally, when writing, some people write G-d instead of God. Why when speaking ...