Ask The Rabbi!!

[ade06]

Originally Posted by TanithT

I can certainly promise to lay off the controversial topics if that will make it okay to continue. I respect what the Rabbi is offering here, and I would not want to contribute to derailing it.

You mentioned earlier that Jews are expected to marry only other Jews, but is it true that Jews are encouraged to "practice" with non-Jews. I think there is even a Jewish term for such "practice." I'm hoping this is not too controversial of a topic?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by ade06

You mentioned earlier that Jews are expected to marry only other Jews, but is it true that Jews are encouraged to "practice" with non-Jews. I think there is even a Jewish term for such "practice." I'm hoping this is not too controversial of a topic?

G-d forbid. There is no such thing.

[TanithT]

Rabbi, do you know about Gan Eden Winery? The owner is an observant Jew and an old ASC cigar fan whom I've enjoyed smoking with, and he makes some awesome kosher wine products. I think he stopped labeling them as "kosher wines" because they're much, much better than the usual range of what is marketed under that name, and it was killing his sales. But he is definitely an observant Jew and makes his wines according to proper procedure. Tasty stuff, too.

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by TanithT

Rabbi, do you know about Gan Eden Winery? The owner is an observant Jew and an old ASC cigar fan whom I've enjoyed smoking with, and he makes some awesome kosher wine products. I think he stopped labeling them as "kosher wines" because they're much, much better than the usual range of what is marketed under that name, and it was killing his sales. But he is definitely an observant Jew and makes his wines according to proper procedure. Tasty stuff, too.

No. I am not familiar with him.

It doesn't make sense that calling, labeling his wines "Kosher" would kill his sales, due to the fact that most companies are clamoring to get their products (especially WINES, if they are any good) certified Kosher.

It used to be a bad thing because people would automatically think cough-syrup Manascheiwcz. But that stopped at least a decade ago, with the tremendous influx of Israeli, French, Italian, Austalian and Cali wines that are not only good, but get top ratings consistantly.

Personally, I like Northern Israeli Wines from the Golan and Galil. I also like some of the French and some of the sweet Italian dessert wines.
Almost anything from the Golan Winery and Galil wines is delicious.

Thanks again for your education, Rabbi!

I have 1 other question I hoped you could answer:

"+214)
For a groom to rejoice with his wife for one year"

Could you expand on this? For instance, why only 1 year? When referring to "rejoicing" what does it entail? Is it supposed to be a 1 year honeymoon? Lavish gifts for 1 year? What happens in month 13?

Thanks in advance!!!

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by BillyCigars

Thanks again for your education, Rabbi!

I have 1 other question I hoped you could answer:

"+214)
For a groom to rejoice with his wife for one year"

Could you expand on this? For instance, why only 1 year? When referring to "rejoicing" what does it entail? Is it supposed to be a 1 year honeymoon? Lavish gifts for 1 year? What happens in month 13?

Thanks in advance!!!

In short, it means he cannot be recruited, and sent out to war. There are other leniencies involved as well, regarding financial commitments etc., in order that he (& she) can devote all of his attention to her, ingratiating her into their homelife together, setting the foundations of marriage in a joyous manner, free from certain (not all) other cares/distractions. Month 13 he just becomes a normal citizen.

[Tikihut27]

Originally Posted by TomHagen

In short, it means he cannot be recruited, and sent out to war.

Rabbi- thanks for the info and for being a good sport. I've learned a lot from reading your answers.

My question re this answer:

Do the Israeli Armed Forces adhere to this policy? What if it's an emergency? What if the Soldier doesn't want to stay home?

Might be outside your lane, I realize...

[TomHagen]

Anonymous, possibly controversial (cause I'm a Sox fan from NY) question I was asked...

Yes. Kevin Youkilis is the best clutch hitter in the American League.
(also according to Mike Francesa (for those that don't know he's the biggest name in sports talk in NY, and a Yankee fan) Yes. Youk is Jewish. Yes. He is on my fantasy team.

No. Cigars are better for you than Chimichangas, especially if you are having 1 a day.

Yes. I have woke up to find out that I am the "Eyes of the World"

No. White Russians are not a substitute for Green Mountain Coffee.

I will have that cooked Medium.

[Adriftpanda]

Rabi, I want to apologize for my comment I made a few days back, it wasn't made to offend anyone. So again, I am sorry. But here is my question...
Is there a difference from the Christian God and the Jewish Yahweh? Yahweh is just another name for God correct?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by Adriftpanda

Rabi, I want to apologize for my comment I made a few days back, it wasn't made to offend anyone. So again, I am sorry. But here is my question...
Is there a difference from the Christian God and the Jewish Yahweh? Yahweh is just another name for God correct?

Firstly, no one should be apologizing to me. I have no issues. I'm just answering 'em as they come in, shining some light and havin' fun...

Secondly, you question is kinda moot. That is not a name used for G-d in any truly Jewish context.

[TomHagen]

Much respect to those who are defending our liberties and the freedoms of this great country at home and abroad, and to those who have served, on this Memorial Day. May G-d protect you. Thank you for all you do.

Rabs

[Steve]

Originally Posted by TomHagen

Much respect to those who are defending our liberties and the freedoms of this great country at home and abroad, and to those who have served, on this Memorial Day. May G-d protect you. Thank you for all you do.

Rabs

x2!

[Emjaysmash]

No one has anymore questions??!! C'mon Everyone!
Rememeber, if you want to ask a question anonymously, or if it deals with a sensitive subject, feel free to PM the Rabbi!!

I've forgotten my remedial hebrew... what does mitzvot mean?
Thanks for being so open - I'd be waay to afraid to do Ask the churchlady! You've got real Chutzpah!

Originally Posted by Churchlady

I've forgotten my remedial hebrew... what does mitzvot mean?
Thanks for being so open - I'd be waay to afraid to do Ask the churchlady! You've got real Chutzpah!

I'm not the Rabbi, or the Churchlady for that matter, but I can answer this one...

From Wikipedia:
Mitzvah (Hebrew: מצווה, IPA: [ˈmɪtsvə], "commandment"; plural, mitzvos or mitzvot; from צוה, tzavah, "command") is a word used in Judaism to refer to the 613 commandments given in the Torah and the seven rabbinic commandments instituted later for a total of 620. The term can also refer to the fulfilment of a mitzvah.

The term mitzvah has also come to express an act of human kindness. According to the teachings of Judaism, all moral laws are, or are derived from, divine commandments.

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by BillyCigars

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

This question interests me.

Speaking of the witch of Endor, was she the reason for all those daggum Ewoks that ruined Return of the Jedi?

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by andysutherland

This question interests me.

Speaking of the witch of Endor, was she the reason for all those daggum Ewoks that ruined Return of the Jedi?

that was the MOON of endor... oy, those Ewoks, look like big Shittzus...

[TomHagen]

Originally Posted by BillyCigars

Okay, another question: (and thanks again in advance!!)

If Judaism doesn't embrace an "afterlife", how is Samuel's appearance during the seance between King Saul and the witch at Endor explained? Samuel seemed really unhappy that he was "disturbed". If he was disturbed (and unhappy about it), wouldn't it indicate that he was *aware* that he was dead? Since awareness of death would seem to indicate more than just "ceasing to exist", I'm curious as to how this is resolved.

Thanks!!

We DO embrace an afterlife for the soul. Torah and especially mystical Judaism describes this at length and in detail.

Originally Posted by TomHagen

We DO embrace an afterlife for the soul. Torah and especially mystical Judaism describes this at length and in detail.

Ahh thanks for clarifying! I must have been confused - about 6 months back, I was having a casual (almost joking) discussion about the afterlife, heaven, etc. with my 2 Jewish friends and they both told me that they just "cease to exist". Odd.

Thanks again!