Unanswered Questions
15
votes
2answers
280 views
While playing a computer game, may I “worship” one of the game's “gods” to help me win?
I sometimes play a certain computer game. In this game, my character (whom I might name after myself but who does not otherwise resemble me) fights mythological creatures and collects handy items. In ...
14
votes
3answers
463 views
How can pigs and shellfish be kosher for bnei Noach?
As a ben Noach, I watch what meat I eat. I eat kosher or halal cut meat only. However, I think that bnei Noach aren't forbidden from eating pig meat or shellfish.
How would I make sure that such meat ...
13
votes
1answer
290 views
Jews under Charlemagne
Jews under Charlemagne in the 8th century and the Carolingian emperors were accredited food providers in addition to providing wine for Christian mass. I am looking for halachic responses to these ...
12
votes
2answers
204 views
Is a gabai allowed speak during chazaras hashatz, kaddish or kriyas hatorah for the sake of the tzibbur?
Is a gabai allowed to speak during chazaras hashatz, kaddish or kriyas hatorah for the sake of the tzibbur? For instance, can a gabbai ask someone if they are a kohen or levi during these times?
11
votes
1answer
140 views
What are valid reasons for establishing a new Minyan?
What are the criteria required for establishing a new Minyan?
Some considerations (not an exhaustive list) for why people might want a new Minyan:
Different נוסח (perhaps very few people in the ...
10
votes
1answer
80 views
Ta'amei Mikra and the Torah Scroll
I have heard that a haftorah klaf (scroll) is still considered kosher and usable if the Ta'amei Mikra have been written on it. Yet I've always been told that this is not true for a Torah scroll. Why ...
10
votes
1answer
199 views
What is the halachic status of things in outer space?
Is everything in outer space hefker? For example if a private person lands on the moon or an asteroid can he be koneh it? Do you retain the rights to something that you send into space?
10
votes
1answer
137 views
Are there two things from which kares can cut one off?
In B'midbar 19:13 the Torah says that the punishment for entering the mikdash while impure is spiritual excision, using the words
וְנִכְרְתָה הַנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל. . .
. . .that ...
10
votes
1answer
124 views
Overhead projector on Shabbos?
A discussion came up with some guests over shabbos. One asked if one could use an overhead projector on Shabbos if it was turned on from before, i.e. could one put a new plastic sheet on it or not? In ...
9
votes
2answers
93 views
Why did Moshe and Aaron need to use a staff in initiating the plagues?
Why did Moshe and Aaron need to use a staff in initiating the plagues?
Such as in שמות פרק ז פסוק יט:
יט. וַיֹּאמֶר יְהֹוָה אֶל משֶׁה אֱמֹר אֶל אַהֲרֹן קַח מַטְּךָ וּנְטֵה יָדְךָ עַל מֵימֵי ...
9
votes
1answer
173 views
What determines the sorts of cases in which one can deliberately not know the facts?
Halacha depends on the facts of a situation. Generally, when one cannot know the exact facts, he is expected to assume that they are as usual (rov), or as they were when last checked (chazaka). When ...
9
votes
1answer
188 views
Is it a sin to escape the death penalty?
If someone is sentenced to death by a Jewish court and is being held prisoner until the sentence can be carried out, if he escapes, is that a sin for him?
9
votes
0answers
183 views
(How) was Tu B'Av observed as a matchmaking/singles-meeting event through history?
I know the Talmud describes how the fifteenth day of the month of Av (Tu b'Av) was a day of ... I'd say "matchmaking", but I think "marriage-minded-singles-meeting" is more like it:
אמר רבן שמעון ...
9
votes
1answer
78 views
What is the status of a Kli Shemelachto LeIssur that's only used for Pikuach Nefesh?
What is the status of a kli whose primary use would be forbidden on Shabbos, but it is only used in a case of Pikuach Nefesh. Is it a Kli Shemelachto LeIssur or Kli Shemelachto Leheter?
Examples:
...
8
votes
0answers
66 views
Non-Ashkenazic Talmud-learning tune
I am very familiar with a particular Ashkenazi yeshivish tune for Talmud learning. This is well-described in the linked question as:
[T]he kind of singing rhythm that people use when contrasting ...
