Ask The Rabbi!!

[csbrewfisher]

Where can I buy kosher ham?

The most important question of all...

Is it okay to have sex on the Sabbath?

Is it REALLY considered "work"???......

[kelmac07]

Why do jewish men wear a yamika to dignify their manhood?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by csbrewfisher

Where can I buy kosher ham?

Whole Foods and most health food stores carry Tofu or TVP based ham flavored products that may or may not be kosher.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by tobii3

The most important question of all...

Is it okay to have sex on the Sabbath?

Is it REALLY considered "work"???......

It is not only okay, but Friday night is considered an auspicious time. It is said that Talmidei Chochmim - "Sages" or "Great Rabbi's" preferred this time on Shabbos to all others. This also according to Kabbalah - Jewish Mysticism.

So no, it is NOT considered work.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by kelmac07

Why do jewish men wear a yamika to dignify their manhood?

It has nothing to do with "manhood".

The word Yarmulke is actually a conjunction of two words in hebrew and aramaic "Yirei" and "Malka" - which mean "Awe" and "King" respectively, so wearing a Yarmulke is to keep us aware of G-d.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by goalie204

What does it mean to you, to be a "good jew"? I consider myself a good person, but i'm not sure if i'm a "good jew" because I don't follow Kashrut, I eat things that i'm not "supposed" to, etc. I'm only a 3 day a year Jew sometimes.nI am Jewish, but don't know what the qualifications for a "good jew" are. I've had a bar mitzvah, and went to hebrew school growing up, and took yeshiva track. I also think no matter what the answer is, it could be interpreted subjectively, but i'd like your opinion.

Firstly, Jews are not to judge other Jews. Only G-d Himself is to judge.

That being said, the Torah, and specifically the mystical tradition of Kabbalah/Chassidus teach that every Jew is inherently good. If you could look into our "kishkes" - insides, in our soul, you would see that we inately want to do what is right, what HaShem wants.

Even on a more external level, it is said that every Jew is filled with Mitzvahs, like a Pomegranate is filled with seeds. We are constantly doing good, fulfilling G-d's Will consciously or not.

Going to shul etc. is all good, but there are those who do so and are not fulfilling their role in G-d's greater plan. They could be better. Along with those who do very little their entire life, but at one-moment fulfill the purpose of their entire existance. It is just up to us not to wait for this but to "chap arein" - take advantage and seize the moment to strive to be better Jews.

With this in mind, we should constantly be striving to become better, self-actualized Jewish people and simultaneously helping others to attain this as well. Adding Mitzvos, observances, customs, learning more Torah, doing acts of goodness and kindness and contributing to the greater good.

When people ask me point bland "What is a good Jew?", I am wont to answer - one who is better today than yesterday or at least strives to be better.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarification. Hatzlocha - Success in all of your endeavors!!

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by pnoon

Nice review.

Which review? The Corona Gorda thread? or the responses?

Either way: Thanks.

[ActionAndy]

What's Jewish Hell like? Catholic hell is pretty serious...

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by ActionAndy

What's Jewish Hell like? Catholic hell is pretty serious...

There is no such thing as "hell" in Judaism.

The concept where "hell" might have been derived from is the existance of "Gehinom".

Gehinom is where the soul goes after it leaves the body in order to clease it from any negativity attached to it through misdeeds etc. It's kinda like a spiritual washing machine. necessary, painful, but leaves you feeling oh, so good. The truly righteous can supercede this refinement, and "worst of the worst" can remain there for only as long as 11 months. After this sort of "purgatory"(I use the term loosely) the soul ascends to Gan Eden where it basks in the light of the G-d's Torah on what ever level the soul can receive it.

Judaism in inherently different from other religions, in this regard, among others. The purpose is not to go to Heaven (or Hell), but rather the focal point of Torah is to make THIS WORLD better, and a dwelling place for G-d.

[TomHagen]

Whoa!! You guys are keeping your foot on the gas... some good, tough questions. Keep 'em coming.

But, how about some easier ones like
"Whatcha smokin' Rabs?"

good stuff

[Tio Gato]

Wow Rabbi, as a "Bad Catholic" I really hope there is no hell. Maybe there's hope for me after all.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by Tio Gato

Wow Rabbi, as a "Bad Catholic" I really hope there is no hell. Maybe there's hope for me after all.

Just keep doing acts of goodness and kindness, and check out the noahide laws above or here; www.noahide.org. This is guaranteed for success!!

quote:
The Seven Laws of Noah demonstrate that almighty G-d has rules and laws for all human beings ...and that G-d loves us all. He does not leave anyone, Jew or non-Jew without guidance. To the non-Jew He has given the Seven Commandments.

Maimonides states "Whoever among the Nations fulfills the Seven Commandments to serve God belongs to the Righteous among the Nations, and has his share in the World to Come.".

[Bruins Fan]

Hey Rabs, is it true a Rabbi, coined the phrase
( it wont be long now )

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by Bruins Fan

Hey Rabs, is it true a Rabbi, coined the phrase
( it wont be long now )

No. It was a Mohel.





Go Sox.

[Stog-a-Boy]

Can I get a tattoo?

I never will, but just asking since i've heard a few different answers.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by Stog-a-Boy

Can I get a tattoo?

I never will, but just asking since i've heard a few different answers.

No. Your body is not yours to do with what you want, but rather it is on loan to your Soul, by G-d.

Originally Posted by TomHagen

No. It was a Mohel.

Go Sox.

Wisdom mit a bissel humor. I love it!


For what it's worth Rabbi, you make me want to be a better Jew.

Rabbi,

Perhaps you can enlighten me on a religious point. I have studied as much as I can find at the used book store and the library which isn't nearly as much as I wish. My background is Christian, Baha'i, and now a cynical agnostic. My question is about the nature of Satan. From what I've read, the duality of good and evil was greatly changed once the Jewish nation came in contact with Zoroastrians in their exile in Babylon. From what little I have read, Satan was Ha-Satan or the greatest servant of G-d and tested the servants of G-d. He was not a diametrically opposed being of once angelic origins. The story of Job makes a lot more sense to me when I heard about this context. For some reason there is a... misconception or evolution of the character of Satan from greatest servant to diametrically opposed evil incarnate a la Zoroastrian Angra Mainyu at least in the modern Christian view of Satan. Is there a fall of Satan in pre-Babylon writings?

[ade06]

Is it offensive for a non-jew to refer to a jew as a jew (in a non-deroggatory manner)?