All Questions
37,429
questions
5
votes
3
answers
353
views
Who has final say, husband or wife?
I have heard (and read) it said in Shalom Bayit classes and books that a husband should defer to his wife in matters to do with the home - how to decorate it, whether or not to invite So-and-So, etc. -...
- 393
0
votes
0
answers
19
views
Jewish sources about general revelation
Are there any Jewish sources that speak about general revelation? General revelation means that God is revealed from nature or creation.
- 331
0
votes
1
answer
22
views
Source for issue for father and soñ to go to mikva together [duplicate]
Is it really assur ? Please bring the source.
- 35
-1
votes
0
answers
37
views
Mixing up customs and opinions
What is the worst thing that can happen if someone lives a life where they mix up all customs and halakhoth.
For example, what would happen if someone davens nusach ashkenaz, but eats rice on passover,...
- 153
4
votes
2
answers
168
views
Why is the Exodus from Egypt so fundamental to Judaism?
The Exodus from Egypt serves as a basis for a number of Mitzvos and is a hugely fundamental concept to Judaism, to the extent that the Rosh states:
כִּי מִי שֶּׁאֵינוֹ מַאֲמִין ''אֲשֶּׁר הוֹצֵאתִיךָ ...
- 544
1
vote
0
answers
19
views
In prayer and glorifying Hashem: Is thanks an expression of praise? Is praise an expression of thanks?
I am pursuing a line of thought.
According to this, they seem to be linked (yet still separate):
א֘וֹדֶ֤ה ה' מְאֹ֣ד בְּפִ֑י וּבְת֖וֹךְ רַבִּ֣ים אֲהַלְלֶֽנּוּ׃
My mouth shall sing much thanks to ...
- 1,998
0
votes
1
answer
46
views
Permissibility of Saying Shema and/or Berakhot After Third Hour
Are the Berakhot of the Shema allowed to be said after the third Halakhic hour, or both the Shema and the Berakhot?
- 397
0
votes
0
answers
64
views
Medrashim which seem to go against logic
I am giving a speech this week. I would like to include examples of Medrashim which seem implausible that it ever happened or could have ever happened.
Can any of you provide examples of medrashim ...
1
vote
0
answers
40
views
The mitzvah of mezuzah doesn't commemorate the Korban Pesach?
It is very hard to miss the obvious connection between the mitzvah of mezuzah and the blood of the Korban Pesach. Yet, I am not aware of any major sources directly connecting the two.
In contrast, ...
- 658
5
votes
3
answers
910
views
What’s the purpose of the celestial bodies?
The purpose of that which is beyond the Earth’s atmosphere is what I would like to be expounded. I’m familiar with Genesis chapter 1, (please hold your applause), and the reasons given there. But more ...
- 73
0
votes
1
answer
71
views
I want a pasuk that has to do with doors and entranceways
Please give me a pasuk that has what to do with doors and entranceways
2
votes
0
answers
62
views
Gerusha who marries a Kohen
I’m currently learning the Halachos of Aveilus with a Chavrusah and we discussed the following question if a gerusha who marries a Kohen and he dies, does she sit shiva and observe the mourning period ...
- 1,826
0
votes
0
answers
54
views
Why did Moshe Rabbeinu need to stretch out his hand?
At the start of the plague of darkness, G-d tells Moshe Rabbeinu to stretch out his hand towards Heaven, that there may be darkness of the land of Mitzrayim:
And the Lord said to Moshe, Stretch out ...
- 4,192
1
vote
0
answers
49
views
Kohanic in vitro Pregnancy
I have the following theoretical questions, from many I’ve met and even a real case of someone very special I met in a hostel in Israel.
My assumptions are between parentheses after the list item.
...
- 365
2
votes
2
answers
112
views
Bones and Essence
I believe the root of עֶצֶם/bone, and of עַצמוּת/essence, is the same.
Is there any discussion about metaphorical connections between bones and essence?
- 1,998
0
votes
0
answers
60
views
Anyone knows this reference: דב"ש בפירקין? [closed]
I found the following cititation: עיין דב"ש בפירקין, ואמת ליעקב דף כ"ג [מערכת ה' אות ס"ט]
Perhaps someone here knows it. I am thinking it could be דוד בן שמעון R' David ben Shimon (1826-...
- 141
0
votes
0
answers
89
views
Is there a name for the timeframe when a woman can have sex with her husband?
Is there a name for the timeframe when a woman can have sex with her husband?
The Torah tells married couples not to have sex during the timeframe of niddah, when she menstruates until right before ...
- 268
0
votes
0
answers
31
views
Socialising children - what does the Torah say?
Does the Torah have anything to say on socialising children?
There are many relevant points. I would like to know at what age and in what method should one do so. Included in these points:
At what ...
- 1,998
1
vote
0
answers
31
views
Usage of אמר מר and גופא [duplicate]
The Gemora sometimes wants to discuss a side point from a previous text. It will introduce this as אמר מר or גופא for example the first page of Brachos says: אֲמַר מָר: ״מִשָּׁעָה שֶׁהַכֹּהֲנִים ...
-2
votes
0
answers
94
views
Why do we wear Kippot if it was not mentioned in the Torah?
I’m wondering why we wear kippot, and where this originated, if it wasn’t from the Torah? I believe Rav Huna introduced it if I’m not mistaken, but there is no real significance to it, other than it’s ...
- 25
2
votes
1
answer
639
views
What does ממנ”פ mean?
I've seen the acronym ממנ”פ in multiple places but I am not sure what it means.
קיצורים וראשי תיבות בעברית indicates that it means ממערכת נשימה פנימית but I am not sure if that is correct.
Here are ...
- 123
1
vote
1
answer
48
views
Traditional Text of the Gemoro Yerushalmi Maseches Peah online
Where on line can I find the text of the Gemoro Yerushalmi Maseches Peah, laid out according to the traditional dappim. Sefaria is excellent but lacks the traditional layout. I am following an online ...
- 46.4k
4
votes
1
answer
100
views
Is writing off part of a loan considered ribit?
Let's say Reuven lends Shimon $100 for 30 days. He then comes to Shimon on day 20 and says, "I need money urgently, if you pay me $90 now then I'll write off the rest of the loan". Would ...
- 1,284
4
votes
2
answers
254
views
Is there a way to figure out which mefarshim to look at for parsha?
A mikro'os gedolos chumash has several different mefarshim's explanations on each passuk of each parsha. Obviously every single word of these commentaries are unfathomably valuable to our ...
- 325
0
votes
1
answer
35
views
I am trying to find the gregorian dates that are equivalent to Elul 29. but only those that close the 7-year Shemitah cycle since 2008
I only need those that close the 7-year shmita cycle since 2008. This question is to do more research on the possibility that the messiah has been identified and prophesies in Isaiah are being ...
2
votes
2
answers
101
views
Advice for when to say "Boreh Nefashot" [duplicate]
Boreh Nefashot, the after-bracha (blessing) for all foods not covered by Hamotzi and Me'en Shalosh, is tricky, because it covers the things one might partake of often.
Example, someone has a drink on ...
- 1,998
0
votes
2
answers
241
views
any groups that only follow Rambam?
Are there any Jewish groups that consider the works of the Rambam as doctrinally relevant? Meaning they elevate his decisions above those of others, such as those of yosef karo?
- 37
0
votes
0
answers
37
views
is there a difference in Rashi in Nach and in Bible [closed]
Is Rashi in Nach not at the same level as in the five books of Moshe?
meaning is he not as careful in his wording and him trying to teach literal explanation as he has in the bible
- 17
1
vote
0
answers
41
views
Laws, advice and limitations on "lying for the sake of shalom"
Emet (truth) in general, and interpersonal honesty in specific are some of the most valued and imperative concepts in all of Torah. Throughout all Torah writings, it seems there is nothing more ...
- 1,998
1
vote
2
answers
124
views
Are men allowed to refer to another man's wife by her first name?
I heard a halacha a long time ago that men are not allowed to use the first name of a married woman who is not their wife. The suggestion I heard was to refer to her as Mrs. So-and-so.
Does anyone ...
- 1,998
2
votes
1
answer
101
views
Piyyutim as replacements for prayers
I seem to encounter the following theory regarding piyyutim fairly requently:
The piyyutim were originally composed as replacements for the fixed texts of the various blessings in the prayer service.
(...
- 39.2k
-3
votes
0
answers
58
views
That was the culture at the time [closed]
An orthodox woman I know came across the Mishnah which discusses the age of a legal female marriage (Niddah 5:4). She was visibly upset and the upsetness persisted.
do you think we should accept the ...
- 67
1
vote
0
answers
88
views
Which side of the bag holds each Tefilla?
Over on https://torah.org/learning/mishna-berura-s28/ paragraph MB7, the MB discusses on which side of the tefillin bag each tefilla is placed.
My question is, in what orientation is the bag held when ...
- 111
1
vote
0
answers
34
views
Why is this verse 15.16 mentioned in both Joshua and Judges?
I have two questions. The first is why is there a repeat of the posuk, one in Joshua and one in Judges?
The second question is: According to Rashi this was only mentioned here to mention the division ...
- 17
1
vote
2
answers
106
views
Burger King Vs McDonalds, מן התורה או מדרבנן
I know this question is a little off the beaten track but still.
I saw a quote in a Sefer regarding cooking meat and milk together. He explains there is a difference between Mcdonald's and Burger King’...
0
votes
0
answers
54
views
Is there a reason in Kabbalah that G-d permitted polygamy?
Is there an explanation in the Kabbalah as to why the Torah allows Polygamy?
- 626
2
votes
0
answers
37
views
Did the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden have sapphire?
I heard one teaching that Moshe's staff was sapphire, and another that it was the Tree of Life. Is there any connection between the two, like maybe the fruits on the Tree of Life were like sapphires ...
- 350
1
vote
1
answer
49
views
Source for "God created this world so that we serve Him with free will"
Rabbi Manis Friedman has (in my opinion) a very beautiful and logical teaching as to why God created this world. He says (although I might be mixing my own ideas in here) that God created this world ...
- 75
0
votes
1
answer
58
views
Is poverty a human consequence or from above?
How to understand Deuteronomy 15:11. Is it a statement of human relationships and conventions or a spiritual statement? If it is the second, it raises a very thorny question, it kind of creates or ...
- 335
0
votes
1
answer
42
views
Why was it said by the plague of Dever that it was very hard? All of them were
I would not think Dever was the hardest compared to any of the others. Aside I think chosehch some say was the hardest. But what does it mean Dever was very hard
- 470
2
votes
0
answers
31
views
History of Hashkeim vs. Bo
I learned in this book that in some ancient traditions, they started a new parsha at Hashkeim (barad) instead of at Bo (arbeh), as I'm used to. (This is a variation of the minhag to read the whole ...
- 8,967
0
votes
0
answers
24
views
Parshiot names together & meaning
I'm looking for sources and mefarshim that dealt with the Parshiot names and their meanings, not only for a single Parsha name alone, but all the Parshiot names of the Torah together or of a Sefer.
...
- 937
2
votes
1
answer
79
views
How come the world was doing Avodah Zara, while Noach and Shem were still alive?
Noach and Shem were alive during the time of Avraham, and I know midrashim say he lived in their house for some time learning about Hashem, but how come the whole world was practicing polytheism, when ...
- 25
3
votes
1
answer
50
views
The reward for the creation of spiritual benefits (Pirkei Avot)
I am reading the wonderful collection of sichos of the Rebbe זי"ע called Torah Studies edited by Rav Jonathan Sacks ז״ל. In the lecture on the parashah of Chayei Sara, the Rebbe says "the ...
- 133
1
vote
0
answers
13
views
What does מטי ליה בחד שחיה mean regarding מלאכת צד on Shabbos
I found the following in קופת הרוכלים introduction to משניות שבת regarding מלאכת צד on Shabbos.
I believe there is a mistake being made. As per ביצה כד. it seems that if an animal is already trapped ...
- 193
1
vote
2
answers
48
views
Meditating on G-d
Since Hashem has no form and attributing any form to Him is prohibited, are there any traditions that instruct us how to meditate on Him without visualizing anything physical? What should we ...
- 1,459
0
votes
0
answers
42
views
What is the Torah position on home schooling vs. institutionalised education?
Is there a preference, in Torah/Talmud, between sending a child to a large (Jewish traditional) school, vs. the parents (assuming they are frum, and have the time and resources), and a hired rebbe ...
- 1,998
0
votes
1
answer
59
views
וכבשוה ורדו - to what extent are we allowed to domesticate/kill animals in order to utilise the Earth for our civilisation?
Part of the point of Hashem giving the Earth into our domain is a permission for us to trap, subjugate and kill animals that would harm us or be pests for our crops and homes, e.g. see Sforno 1 & ...
- 1,998
2
votes
2
answers
842
views
+50
Halacha of not biting into a sandwich when someone else is eating with you
I have heard several times (including here) of a halacha (I believe I heard it is mentioned in a gemara) that discusses not taking a bite out of a sandwich when eating with others, as it may make them ...
- 1,998
0
votes
0
answers
39
views
Halacha of saying bracha while someone else has food in their mouth
I have heard it is forbidden to recite a bracha (loudly) when someone nearby has food in their mouth. I heard the reason is because they might choke when trying to say amen. I would also like to know ...
- 1,998