Relations with non-Jews, and laws regarding them.
2
votes
1answer
100 views
Can a non-Jew run a Judaica store?
Could a non-Jew run a Judaica store/business? Would this be kosher? What if it's online? Are there any restrictions on converts?
2
votes
0answers
70 views
Is it permitted to listen to instrumental secular music by an antisemite?
Assuming it is permitted to listen to music composed or performed by a non-Jew, is it prohibited, ill-advised, or outright permitted to listen to instrumental secular music by a composer who ...
10
votes
1answer
103 views
Why did Avraham prefer the daughters of Aner, Eshkol and Mamre over Eliezer's daughter?
Rashi on Bereishis 24:39 says that
Abraham said to [Eliezer] “My son is blessed, and you are cursed [Eliezer was a descendant of Canaan who had been cursed by Noah], and an accursed one cannot ...
1
vote
1answer
118 views
Going to a wedding of a gentile
It says in SA YD Siman 152 Sif 1 that it's ossur to go to a wedding (seudah) that a gentile is making for his son. The Shach and Taz both discuss over there if for reasons of "aiveh" if one is allowed ...
3
votes
4answers
349 views
Does Judaism recognize other religions?
Does Judaism acknowledge that there are some other religions that come from G-d?
If yes, how? Which religions are that? Please give me some examples. And what are the reference for this claim?
3
votes
1answer
55 views
How did the 2 spies which Yehoshua sent have authority to save Rachav and family
Devarim 20:16 reads:
טז. רַק מֵעָרֵי הָעַמִּים הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לְךָ
נַחֲלָה לֹא תְחַיֶּה כָּל נְשָׁמָה׃
However, of these peoples' cities, which the Lord, your God, ...
0
votes
3answers
697 views
How, if at all, can “frum” Jewish men justify their consorting with prostitutes?
A friend of mine is a part-time magistrate in Sullivan County, New York. He often hears cases of hasidic men being caught with prostitutes. Moreover, he tells me that the cases of STDs among hasidim ...
1
vote
2answers
204 views
Non-Jews learning or being taught Torah
I read on Mi Yodeya, and elsewhere on the Internet, that the Gemara (Chagigah 13a) says that Jews can't teach Torah to gentiles, and that according to Tosefot (Chagigah 13a sv. ein) this is because ...
1
vote
0answers
91 views
Non-Jews praying with the Jewish community
I read a comment made on another question that regardless of how they are worded, blessings that are made in communal prayer can only be prayed by someone who is obligated to them.
The idea that ...
2
votes
2answers
216 views
Attending a relative's non-Jewish wedding in a non-Jewish place of worship?
Could somebody attend his non-Jewish relatives' wedding ceremony if they are held, let's say, in a church or a Buddhist temple?
1
vote
0answers
54 views
Decorating of the Beitzah
Somebody told me in Israel some have the custom of decorating the egg for Pesach (like an Easter egg). Wouldn't that be considered chukas hagoyim or avoda zara?
1
vote
0answers
106 views
Is wine touched/shaken by a non-idolatrous Gentile child forbidden to drink?
Shulchan Aruch (YD 124:1) states:
A Nochri child who does not mention idolatry or Meshamshim, if he
touched wine he forbids only drinking it, but not benefit from it.
(See this related ...
10
votes
3answers
316 views
May a Jew be a Freemason?
According to what I've been told by several people who have inquired of "practicing" (is that the right word?) Freemasons, and supported by Wikipedia, "Freemasonry explicitly and openly states that it ...
5
votes
0answers
95 views
Abrahamic covenant and Brit Milah - how is the covenant passed down?
Why is it so that if a Jew has a male child with a non-Jewish woman the child is not circumcised, even though, like Ishmail, the child is under Abrahamic (but not Mosaic) covenant, since the father is ...
5
votes
1answer
188 views
We are Christian but have been invited to celebrate with friends tonight
We are invited to dinner tonight with some Jewish friends. I am excited that my six year old has such an opportunity to learn about another holiday, and the traditions taht accompany it. We've read ...
3
votes
3answers
157 views
Does amirah L'akum apply to robots?
Can you ask/instruct a robot on shabbos to perform melacha on your behalf? Would this fall under the same category as amirah l'akum?
4
votes
1answer
161 views
Is a male considered Jewish if his dad is Jewish and his mom is not jewish but the dad had his male child have a brit-millah
I have uncles and cousins who married non-Jewish women but had their boys have brit-millah when they were babies. Are they considered Jewish under orthodox Judaism?
11
votes
2answers
307 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
490 views
I want to be a Jew, but I'm born as a Muslim
I'm from Algeria, but I'm now living in France. I was born as a Muslim, but since I was 13, I realized that Islam wasn't for me. Since two years, I'm now looking for a new religion, and from what I've ...
0
votes
0answers
56 views
Genevas Daas (deception) with a gift
The Shach in YD Siman 117 Sif-Katan 13 writes,
דאין במתנה משום גניבת דעת
With regard to a gift there is no problem of "genevas daas" (deception).
The Shach writes this in regard to selling ...
8
votes
1answer
263 views
Are “things we don't do because of danger” also dangerous to non-Jews?
There are some things that we don't do because of the danger. Things we do not do because of Danger has a list of some of them.
Are these things dangerous to non-Jews as well?
1
vote
2answers
152 views
arab suicide bombers [closed]
We make a tremendous deal about self sacrifice of Avraham Avinu by Akeidas Yitzchok - the Abarbanel writes that it is "the entire glory of the Jewish people and their merit before their Father in ...
2
votes
2answers
94 views
Listening to Ambient Music
Is there anything wrong about listening to Ambient Music produced by Non-Jews (with no lyrics or vocals and certainly no issue of Kol Isha.) The reason for listening to it is in order to relax or for ...
7
votes
2answers
212 views
May a Jew Trick or Treat?
What would the halachic issues be (if any) regarding a Jew who wants to trick-or-treat on October 31st?
5
votes
1answer
212 views
Can a non-Jew recite the Shema?
Can a non-Jew recite the Shema and other Jewish prayers? Is there any one which is off limits to non-Jews?
Thanks.
2
votes
2answers
208 views
Why are children from a gentile wife not considered Jewish with a Jewish father?
Why are children who have a Jewish Father and gentile mother not considered Jewish?
6
votes
4answers
377 views
Does God love non-Jews?
I've read the topic of whether or not God discriminates between Jews and non-Jews, but does God love non-Jews? Does it say anywhere that He does love non-Jews. I don't believe that God hates non-Jews ...
3
votes
1answer
79 views
Being a fan of a Non-Jewish sports figure?
Is it a problem for a Jewish person to be a fan of a non-Jewish sports figure?
Since there is an issur of "lo sechonem" -- not to praise a gentile for his prowess or other attributes?
(I suppose ...
6
votes
1answer
191 views
Can non Jews be buried in a Jewish Cemetery?
Can a non Jew be buried in a Jewish Cemetery under any circumstances?
2
votes
2answers
74 views
Gentiles and Berachoth
It seems pretty obvious that gentiles shouldn't make Berachoth on any Mitzvoth (their 7 aren't exactly ritualistic, and they were not commanded in the rest of ours). But are there any Berachoth that ...
7
votes
3answers
344 views
Why shouldn't Gentiles keep Shabbat?
I know little about Judaism and it's a first time question, so please forgive any mistakes.
According to this question non-Jews are forbidden from keeping Shabbat. What is the reasoning behind this? ...
2
votes
2answers
166 views
Will A Non Jew who did not keep the Noachide Laws be Held Accountable?
Will A Non Jew who did not keep the Noachide Laws be Held Accountable on yom hadin?
After all, he can claim he didn't know anything about them.
Maybe there is a difference between a gentile in ...
5
votes
2answers
156 views
Business with Christians during their holiday periods
According to those who hold that Christianity is avodah zarah, may Jews do business with Christians within three days of Sunday (or if you want, within 3 days of Dec. 25 or Easter) in light of the ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views
Is a Gentile that keeps Yom Tov Chayav Misa like on Shabbos?
We say a gentile that keeps Shabbos is chayav misa (death penalty). Is this also true if a gentile keeps yom tov?
0
votes
0answers
91 views
Singing or listening to non-Jewish religious music
Is it permissible to listen or sing non-Jewish religious music so long as praise and worship is only expressed to Hashem and this is clear and/or your intention is only to praise G-d and no one else?
0
votes
0answers
91 views
Motivation for becoming Jewish? Why would a person want to become Jewish? [closed]
I've read on this site that Jews believe many "good" unbelievers will get to heaven, eventually. And that truly "bad" unbelievers will cease to exist. Without consequences for non-Judiasm why would a ...
0
votes
1answer
120 views
In What Sense Non Jews Should Obey/Disobey Torah?
There are 2 opinions.
In some cases I've heard that God reward anyone that obey Torah.
Also, I think I read somewhere in exodus that anyone living in Israel, be it foreigners or not, must not work ...
10
votes
6answers
525 views
Am I liable to be stoned for my devotion to Hashem and the Jewish people?
I have spent over 2 years to this day praying for the Jewish people from the Koren Siddur and Machzorim. I have with my Rebbe's help tried to follow Jewish customs and laws, to my best ability. ...
5
votes
1answer
191 views
First trip to the synagogue! Tips and advice please!
I am preparing for my first trip to a synagogue after the High Holy Days.
My first visit will be to a Modern Orthodox Synagogue. I have interacted with the Rabbi by email and we will be meeting ...
1
vote
1answer
40 views
Eating certain cereals during Aseres Yemei Teshuva
Orach Chaim 603 says that a person should avoid eating Pas (bread/baked goods) made by Kuthim (or non-Jews, Mishnah Berurah, ad loc.) during the Aseres Yemei Teshuva. Does this include cereals made ...
4
votes
1answer
152 views
Food cooked by a non-Jew not kosher?
Why is it that food cooked totally by a non-Jew - without the participation of a Jew - is not kosher?
2
votes
1answer
86 views
What is a ger toshav?
I read in the Book of Isaiah (Is. 56:1-8), about the foreigner joining Hashem. I asked my Rabbi briefly about this passage. He explained that the passage is probably neither about a gerut conversion ...
9
votes
1answer
129 views
Extent of matrilineal descent
Am I a Jew if my mother's mother's mother's mother's mother was a Jew? Even if along the line one of my foremothers converted to another faith? I'd just like a better understanding of matrilineal ...
1
vote
1answer
98 views
Mezuzah for room used by Non-Jews
In a Jewish-owned and -operated mifa'al (factory/business), there is a room that is designated for the non-Jewish workers where they can eat, rest, etc. The room is used for nothing else (not even for ...
4
votes
2answers
188 views
Bas Cohen having relations with a non-Jew
It says in SA YD Siman 305 that a Bas Cohen that has a bechor (firstborn) with a non-Jew there is chiyuv of pidyon haben since the Bas Cohen through having relations with the non-Jew she looses her ...
20
votes
2answers
353 views
Can a gentile break shabbos only on a Rabbinic level?
A non-Jew is forbidden from observing Shabbos. When someone is in the process of converting, we advise them to keep the entire Shabbos besides for doing one forbidden activity. A common practice is to ...
7
votes
1answer
174 views
Amira Lakum: say you can't say?
One is not allowed to tell a non-Jew to do a melacha on shabbas, but one can hint and say "it is cold in here", hoping he will realize and shut the air conditioner.
Is one allowed to explain to the ...
3
votes
2answers
716 views
Can a gentile go to Synagogue on Shabbat and what is forbidden on Shabbat for a gentile?
Is a gentile allowed to participate in Shabbat prayers in a Synagogue (of course he/she will not count for a minyan) if they do so in order to gain knowledge of Jewish customs for the purpose of ...
5
votes
0answers
153 views
If a person isn't sure he is Jewish, does he have to keep Mitzvot?
Let's say that a person has a reason to think his mother might be Jewish (there is some evidence, but only a little), and it is likely that the person will never be able to know for sure. In such a ...
6
votes
1answer
126 views
What is the point of the prophecy of Nachum?
The prophecy of the navi Nachum seems to be entirely related to the eventual destruction of the city of Ninveh.
Why does the fate of Ninveh need to be recorded for the Jews for all time?
If, for ...
