Unanswered Questions
482 questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
11
votes
2
answers
670
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Does one have to be Jewish to be a rabbi
In terms of what we call semicha today, does one have to be Jewish to receive or hold it? Is it simply an indicator of learning (like an academic degree) which could be reached by anyone?
Knowing ...
10
votes
0
answers
405
views
May one ride in a utilitarian car?
A new study has confirmed the obvious: people want to survive:
even though participants approve of autonomous vehicles that might sacrifice passengers to save others, respondents would prefer not to ...
9
votes
0
answers
154
views
Maharam Shiff’s Mnemonic indexes
The Wikipedia page (from Jewish encyclopedia) for Rabbi Meir Shiff states:
A mnemonic index to the Bible and the Talmud by him is also extant.
Where can I find such an index?
8
votes
1
answer
174
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Chronology of Shofetim
Where can I find a diagram or timeline showing the chronology of the Shofetim according to different commentators?
For example Rashi on Shofetim 11:26, Ralbag nearby and Abarbanel on Shmuel 1 chapter ...
7
votes
0
answers
137
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Sheimos-free versions of Tanach Online
There are many websites that provide the user with the text of Tanach (as well as various other Jewish sources). When printing sources, I like to avoid printing "Sheimos", or actual names of Hashem, ...
7
votes
0
answers
97
views
Is there a connection between the two times 7 cows, ears and years that Yaakov worked for his wives?
Is there any connection or relationship between the seven fat & seven lean cows, the seven beautiful and seven parched ears of grain that Pharaoh dreamt and Yosef interpreted, and the seven years ...
7
votes
1
answer
228
views
What makes a Rabbi?
There are Rabbis everywhere, how to identify who is a real Rabbi if the Rabbi is not included in a recognized organization, such as Israeli Supreme Court or RCA etc.? Does a Rabbi need Yeshiva study ...
7
votes
1
answer
315
views
Where can I find a complete Shulchan Aruch without too many abbreviations?
I am looking to buy a Shulchan Aruch, but unlike Buying a Shulchan Aruch, I am concerned with different requirements
I don't want a lot of abbreviations. I have spent some time learning Yoreh Deah ...
7
votes
1
answer
232
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How do I know my unanswered questions will be revealed [to me] when I die?
Many times as a Jew I think in the back of my head that certain question’s answers I greatly ponder will be revealed to me when I die.
I’ll give an example. A few distant relatives of mine were ...
6
votes
0
answers
304
views
Textual Criticism of Nach
I was recently learning Megillat Esther (as I prepare some shiurim on the topic), and was surprised to find the following comment by Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Ashkenazi (Tedeschi), in his commentary to ...
6
votes
0
answers
179
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What blessing would one have said on seeing Einstein for example?
The Oruch Hashulchan O Ch 224, 6 says
הרואה חכם מחכמי ישראל שגדול בתורה מברך: "ברוך אתה ה' אלהינו מלך העולם
שחלק מחכמתו ליריאיו,
Someone who sees a Jewish Torah sage makes the blessing “ ...
6
votes
0
answers
305
views
What software to use to write a multi-section sefer?
What software is available that allows Hebrew and English and multiple sections? i.e. the main section and then a footnote/pirush (section #2) on that, and then a 3rd section which footnotes items ...
6
votes
0
answers
80
views
Is there a way to find out where a Pidyon Peter Chamor will be performed?
I am planning on being in Israel later this summer, IY"H. I'd like to do a few "unusual" things (call it my "mitzvah bucket list") that I may not do otherwise.
I've never been to a pidyon peter ...
6
votes
0
answers
69
views
Recommended changes to the text of selichos when you say them at the "wrong" time
Some of the piyutim in selichos assume that you're saying them at the ideal time - before Amud Hashachar (for example, at the end of selicha #70 שחרנוך קדם עמוד השחר). Many people don't make it at ...
6
votes
0
answers
115
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How is love created? Is giving sufficient or must there be Hakoras Hatov?
Related: Where does Rav Dessler mention that root word of אהבה is הב?
Rav Wolbe in Alei Shur vol 2, in the first va'ad on Hakaras Hatov (page רעט) says that Hakaras Hatov is a foundation of love.
...