Ask The Rabbi!!

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

I know the Catholics have come to declare that extraterrestrial life would not interfere with the Catholic faith. That is, the Pope has said that he sees nothing wrong with the theory that life (intelligent as well) exists on other planets...How do jews feel about aliens?

Rad thread by the way.

Thanks brotha.

The discovery of ETs would pose no more of a threat to Judaism than would the discovery of a new species of rabbit.

It would be limiting G-d's power to say that He could not have placed life on other planets. In fact, there is a reference in the biblical Book of Judges (53) to an inhabited place called Maroz, which the Talmud identifies as a star.

But Jewish thought has always believed that the most weird and wonderful creatures are to be found right here on earth. We can explore the remotest extremities of space but still remain alien to our own humanity. The real secrets of the universe lie hidden in the depths of the human soul.

[smokin5]

I'm surprised noone has asked this yet, so I'll pose it:

Is there a brucha (blessing or "grace" for those who don't know) you say before lighting a cigar? What is it?

And do I really have to smoke 8 cigars on the last night of Hanukkah?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by smokin5

I'm surprised noone has asked this yet, so I'll pose it:

Is there a brucha (blessing or "grace" for those who don't know) you say before lighting a cigar? What is it?

And do I really have to smoke 8 cigars on the last night of Hanukkah?

Sorry, there is no Brocha - Blessing over smoking cigars. But utilizing them for good, as many of us do, in aiding relaxation, clarity of mind, forming social bonds etc. is all good.

No you don't have to smoke 8 cigars on the last night of Chanukah, but u can bomb someone with 8 cigars!

[ActionAndy]

Originally Posted by TomHagen

Thanks brotha.

The discovery of ETs would pose no more of a threat to Judaism than would the discovery of a new species of rabbit.

It would be limiting G-d's power to say that He could not have placed life on other planets. In fact, there is a reference in the biblical Book of Judges (53) to an inhabited place called Maroz, which the Talmud identifies as a star.

But Jewish thought has always believed that the most weird and wonderful creatures are to be found right here on earth. We can explore the remotest extremities of space but still remain alien to our own humanity. The real secrets of the universe lie hidden in the depths of the human soul.

I looked into this and not only is this Maroz place inhabited, but its people are cursed. That's pretty neat.