All Questions
6 questions
6
votes
1
answer
490
views
Why did the Tos'fos Yom Tov compose his Mi Sheberach?
It is well known that R. Yom Tov Heller, author of the Tos'fos Yom Tov and other works, wrote a prayer to be recited for the benefit of those who don't speak in the synagogue (or: during prayer). I'm ...
- 73.9k
0
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Pulling ear when sneeze
Where does it come from that people pull their ear when they sneeze does it have something to do with our forefather Jacob before him no-one became ill just before death? That is, he became ill before ...
- 1,146
1
vote
1
answer
92
views
When was the term "Next World" (עולם הבא) first used in Jewish literature
In modern Jewish literature and folklore the "next world" (עולם הבא) is mentioned multiple times. In contrast, it is not mentioned (AFAIK) at all in the Torah.
So where/when did this start?
- 249
11
votes
1
answer
430
views
What is the origin of the claim that they played games to hide Torah learning prior to Chanuka
This question makes a very commonly heard claim: "Before the miracle of Hanukkah, when those who controlled the land severely restricted Torah study, Jewish children would gather to study Torah in ...
- 32.3k
3
votes
0
answers
253
views
How did the modern day Beis Hora'ah phenomenon develop?
Here in Eretz Yisrael, we find Batei Hora'ah in many cities - places where a moreh hora'ah sits either during special times or perhaps the whole day or different rabbonim throughout the day answering ...
- 16.2k
39
votes
7
answers
4k
views
Where does the concept of Gilgulim (reincarnations) in Judaism come from?
What is the source of Gilgulim (reincarnations) in Judaism? Are there people who disagree with its existence? Who was the first to mention it? What I am asking essentially is what is the historical ...
- 2,292