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Unanswered Questions

292 questions with no upvoted or accepted answers
11 votes
2 answers
669 views

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 ...
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 views

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 views

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
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 ...
6 votes
0 answers
179 views

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
774 views

Has the Sefer Abudraham been translated into English?

I am looking for an English translation of David ben Josef ben David Abudirham's book on tefillah, entitled Abudraham. Does one exist? If so where could I find it?
6 votes
0 answers
251 views

Seeking Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal in English

Is the Ramchal's Hoker u'MeKubal available in English? I have already read Derech HaShem, Daas Tevunos, Mesillas Yesharim, and Ma'amar HaGeulas, so I would be interested in other of his works in ...
5 votes
0 answers
73 views

Halachic resources for someone going to Jail

Are there Halachic resources or books that can be recommended to a frum person who will be in a jail outside of Israel (and such country does not respect religious/human rights enough to provide ...
5 votes
0 answers
83 views

Who are the "Sages of Israel" in Pesochim 94b

In Pesochim 94b, the Gemora brings the Braisa D'Mazolos 1:6 which relates an argument between the "Sages of Israel" and the "Sages of the nations," as follows: תנו רבנן חכמי ישראל אומרים גלגל קבוע ...
5 votes
0 answers
1k views

Looking for online German (Yekke) Torah Trope practice

As a lad, I often attended a German (Yekke) shul in my neighborhood, where they used the Yekke Torah trope. My main shul sometimes used this trope during Yom Tov readings. (I.e. - the Yekke trope is ...

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