Jewish philosophy as well as Jewish perspectives - i.e. not only formal philosophy. NOT for questions about Jewish practice unless there's a philosophical component.
4
votes
2answers
108 views
Is there a p'sak when dealing with de'os?
I was wondering if the idea of paskening applies to the de'os area of Torah.
As an example there is a machlokes rishonim how to view Chazal's relationship with the science they relied on to pasken ...
3
votes
3answers
175 views
Does God benefit from our keeping of the Mitzvos?
Does Hashem benefit from mankind doing the commandments of the Torah?
5
votes
3answers
264 views
Why a human Messiah?
I understand that Mashiach is going to be a human. What is the source for this, and are there any explanations why it must be so? Can't G-d Himself redeem us?
2
votes
4answers
292 views
What is the source of hatred perceived by Jews in different parts of the world?
I don't know if this is off topic but a similar question is here at Christianity SE and I thought it would be interesting to ask the corresponding one here.
It intrigues me how people from other ...
3
votes
1answer
61 views
What are the most important writings of Rav Kook for Emunah and Hashkafah?
I would like to return to learn some of the writings of Rav Kook in order to improve my Hashkafah and Emunah. In the past I attended an Israeli "dati leumi" yeshiva where i learnt a bit of them, but ...
5
votes
3answers
455 views
Do Jews think that all the unbelievers would go to hell someday?
I wonder whether Judaism teaches that those unbelievers or those who are Jews but nevertheless lead a sinful life would go to hell someday when judgement time comes.
2
votes
0answers
45 views
Honoring a wicked father who has repented - How is he still considered wicked?
The Shulhan 'Aruch (Y"D 240:18) writes that one is obligated to honor his father even if the father is wicked (actually, it says that a Mamzer is obligated, but I believe that the implication is that ...
3
votes
1answer
61 views
Mamzer honoring his father - why wouldn't he?
The Shulhan 'Aruch (240:18) writes that a Mamzer has an obligation to honor his father.
Why might I think otherwise?
0
votes
1answer
117 views
How does Judaism prove the existence of the life of the world to come?
I have three questions:
What is the basis for the Jewish belief in the World to Come?
What human traits does Judaism consider reflect the possession of an eternal soul?
What purpose(s) is/are served ...
4
votes
4answers
113 views
No More Zechuth Avoth?
The Gemara (Bab. Shab. 55a) discusses when Zechuth Avoth ceased. I am aware of several opinions in Tosafoth that it ended for wicked people, or it ended for everyone but the very righteous or it ended ...
-1
votes
2answers
93 views
Why was this world created?
As I've researched, G-d has many creations, trillions of worlds before this world, and will create many after this world.
Why did G-d create this world?
4
votes
2answers
97 views
How can I make my Judaism more enjoyable?
I really enjoy being Jewish, most of the time, but let's be honest, sometimes it can be difficult to enjoy Judaism. Sometimes it's the little things, like having to wait those extra minutes to eat ...
4
votes
4answers
188 views
Why does evil exist?
I realize this is a very common question, but the problem of evil is an important one, and as far as I can tell, has not been asked here.
In short, why does G-d allow evil to exist?
4
votes
1answer
56 views
How did the trees deviate from God's command?
In Bereshis 1:11 God commands עֵץ פְּרִי עֹשֶׂה פְּרִי לְמִינוֹ however in the next pasuk where it happens we find וְעֵץ עֹשֶׂה-פְּרִי אֲשֶׁר זַרְעוֹ-בוֹ, לְמִינֵהוּ. This discrepancy is explained by ...
7
votes
3answers
227 views
Why did God create the mentally ill/ severely handicapped?
Why did God create people who are mentally ill or severely handicapped? They are not able to serve him in the same capacity and their lives seem to be full of difficulty and anguish. Why would God do ...
11
votes
4answers
311 views
Is belief in a G-d a commandment?
I am studying to convert to Judaism and one of the questions I was asked was about the Ten Commandments. I remember reading at that time that there was debate about the division of the statements ...
2
votes
1answer
77 views
If the Oral Torah is Divine, why are there arguments? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Why don’t we just follow the shittah of Moshe Rabeinu?
If the Oral Torah is Divine, how are there arguments in the Mishnah and Gemara?
(I have heard this question asked ...
3
votes
2answers
85 views
What are the three impure klippot?
Kabbalah and Chassidus discuss the "three impure klippot" and Klippos Noga.
What is the difference between each of these three klippos?
5
votes
1answer
88 views
All Sifre HaRamhal? (Rabbi Moshe Chayim Lutzato)
Is there a set that has "Kol Sifre HaRamhal"? The have "Kol Sifre HaHida" and other Rabanim, so maybe they'll also have all Sefarim of the Ramhal?
7
votes
3answers
204 views
Is Ferberization okay?
Is there anything objectionable (in terms of halacha, hashkafa and middos) to using the Ferber method for training an infant to fall asleep on its own? There is an element of cruelty, and the ultimate ...
4
votes
3answers
140 views
Does Judaism endorse guilt?
I am not a Jew. In a few TV series, I saw/heard that Jews experience self-repression due to their belief. I heard that being Jewish means enduring a lot of guilt, or becoming aware of things to feel ...
15
votes
8answers
794 views
Why are angelic icons not prominent in Judaism?
I learned that the song Shalom Aleichem is all about welcoming the Shabbat angels, and clearly angels are celebrated in Judaism. However I've noticed that images of angels are not very widespread in ...
1
vote
3answers
131 views
Has a gadol be'Torah ever drastically changed his type of avodas Hashem?
I know that my question is a bit broad and maybe abstract but I'm not sure how to phrase it better. I'm looking for any change in avodah. It can be a change in which group of Jews he associated with ...
5
votes
2answers
93 views
How is knowledge of G-d different from any other knowledge?
The Rambam, in his Morei Nevuchim, says that when it comes to knowledge about G-d, we can only know what G-d is not. I.e. He is not limited in space, or time, He does not have property A, nor does he ...
5
votes
2answers
182 views
Does the president of the USA have free will?
I don't remember where but I saw a chazal that states something to the effect of "the (non-Jewish) leaders of the world do not have free will".
I would appreciate someone editing to source this.
So I ...
0
votes
1answer
34 views
Is הפעולה בשמות or “theurgy” similar to prayer in the Ramchal’s Derekh HaShem?
Ramchal in Derekh HaShem III 2 (7) speaks about using the names of G-d to achieve effects not achievable using physical agencies. He says,
א׳ הוא הזכרת שמו ית׳ כמי שקורא אותו שיענהו, וימשיך על ידי ...
6
votes
0answers
51 views
What is the correct kavanah when going to war?
I am specifically talking about going to war that is a mitzvah such as the wars fought while conquering Eretz Yisroel in the beginning of the Neviim and the mitzvah we have and will fulfill of ...
5
votes
0answers
84 views
Which rabbi said “if a horse had the mind of Kant …”?
I recall hearing in yeshiva that one great rabbi -- I think one of the baalei mussar? once said:
If a horse had the mind of Kant, it would author volume after volume of great philosphical works -- ...
8
votes
3answers
977 views
Rainbow as a bad omen
There is a popular idea that seeing a rainbow is a bad sign, as if the world is deserving of a deluge (c"v) and the only reason Hashem does not do so is because of His promise. Is there any source for ...
0
votes
2answers
74 views
is it right to set goals?
is it right to set goals for yourself? how do you know that hashem knows you can accomplish more than the goal you have now? how do you know that hashem knows you bit more than you can chew?
2
votes
3answers
92 views
“Think about love for fellow Jews before praying” - source?
At the risk of being a guessing-game, I thought I'd read that before starting prayers (the beginning? The Amida?), one should take a minute to think about love for fellow Jews.
Any source for this?
10
votes
3answers
221 views
Jewish concept of angels
Judaism does not believe in the free will of angels. What is the scriptural evidence for that and since when has such belief been held within the Jewish community?
3
votes
4answers
183 views
Since G-d is Omnipotent Why Does He Need Our Prayers?
What are some good answers to the Question if God is all powerfull what does he need our Prayers for? I would appreciate as many answers as possibile
4
votes
5answers
157 views
Will money fall from the sky if you pray for it?
If you daven for a parnasah and then just sit back will money come to you?
2
votes
2answers
118 views
Is it true that Jews believed in sheol before the belief in hereafter entered into Judaism?
I have heard claimed that Jews first believed in Sheol which was considered as a place below the ground and it meant to be a place of eternal rest, free of any reward and punishment. However in later ...
4
votes
4answers
301 views
Why is the foreskin removed?
Why is the foreskin removed? God gave it men, did God also tell them to have it removed?
13
votes
5answers
664 views
Is there “Torah Inerrancy”?
Is there Torah inerrancy?
In other words, does the Torah contain no factual errors: the Noah flood did occur, Garden of Eden did exist, Adam and Eve did live there and were subsequently expelled, etc ...
3
votes
3answers
418 views
Bad Jew or Good Gentile?
Whom does Hashem love more: Gentiles who love Jewish people and Israel or Jews who are against Jewish people and Israel?
7
votes
4answers
166 views
If the odds are against you in life (Bais Shammai's opinion), why did G-d bother?
I'm asking this question only because I recall hearing an answer, but unfortunately I don't remember the answer, or from which rabbi. Help me please?
Mesilas Yesharim says G-d made creation out of ...
6
votes
8answers
336 views
do we really have free choice?
I was told Hashem created us with free will; so we can make a choice to do good or evil, right? Well, Hashem knows what we are going to do in 10 minutes. So do we really have free will? Hashem can see ...
0
votes
1answer
121 views
Why Wait for Moshiach
The Rambam in Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah says God has no joy or sadness. If so, why do we wait for moshiach? For G-d's glory? G-d does not need anything from us. How are we supposed to have intent to ...
3
votes
2answers
106 views
Guaranteed olam haba?
Certain practices such as learning halachot daily or reciting ashrei three times a day are supposed to guarantee a person a place in olam haba. How exactly does this work? Can a person be an evil ...
5
votes
2answers
79 views
If a person stops doing the bad action or begins to do the right action, why does he still need to do Teshuvah for a חטא (sin)?
If a person stops doing the bad action or begins to do the right action, why does he still need to do Teshuvah for a חטא (sin)? In other words, why do you need to do Teshuvah if you have stopped the ...
3
votes
2answers
72 views
Why do Teshuvah for an accidental חטא (sin)?
Why am I obligated to do Teshuvah if I do a חטא (sin) accidentally, according to Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1)? What am I doing Teshuvah for?
4
votes
2answers
152 views
Drinking on Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah has two opposite aspects, one of judgment, and one of Yom Tov. We spend the day(s) in prayer and literally plead for our lives. Yet we eat festive meals and drink wine for Kiddush.
Is ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
The purpose of Rosh Hashana
What should a person try to accomplish on Rosh hashana?
I know yom kipur is about teshuva. but what is the goal of Rosh hashana?
They say that it is the "Head" of the year, which means the root of ...
1
vote
5answers
119 views
What is the benefit to praying with a Minyan?
What is the benefit(s) of Praying with a Minyan? Besides for all the additional things you can now do with a Minyan (Kaddish, Kriah etc). By prayer, I mean the Shmoneh Esreh. What is different in ...
2
votes
2answers
40 views
How did the Gedolim achieve fear of Yom HaDin when the Gemoro says day tzarah beshatah?
The Gemoro says (Brachot 9b) dayah letzarah beshaatah. The way I understand this and I think Rashi learns like this as well, is that there is no point worrying about an upcoming Tzarah. If you can do ...
2
votes
2answers
70 views
Why is Aseret Yemei Teshuva a time when Teshuvah will be accepted immediately?
The Rambam in the Laws of Teshuvah, Chapter 2 Law 6 states:
אע"פ שהתשובה והצעקה יפה לעולם, בעשרה
הימים שבין ראש השנה ויום הכפורים היא
יפה ביותר ומתקבלת היא מיד שנאמר
(ישעיהו נה:ו) דרשו ה' ...
-3
votes
2answers
131 views
Doomsday scenario, what would Hashem do?
Lets say John is about to end all mankind by releasing a deadly virus that can never be reversed, cured, or stopped. Will Hashem step in and stop the act? This is a contradiction because Hashem gave ...
