The Big Bang Theory and Judaism
I have trouble reconciling my reading of Genesis with current scientific theory. When I read the creation story it seems clear that according to the Biblical version God created the world and universe whole, complete. Physics, however, maintains that there was a primordial speck which exploded in what is now known as the Big Bang and from its expansion the universe and world came to be. This is a far cry from the world being created complete! Is there a way to integrate the two contradictory versions of the story?
Do Jews Believe in the Afterlife?
I have always been taught that Jews don’t believe in an afterlife. But I recently learned in religious school that there are Jews who believe there’s a place called the world to come. Does that mean there is an afterlife after all? Where is the world to come?
The Three Weeks and Mourning The Temple
With regards to the three-week mourning period we’re now observing, I’m struggling a bit to find a way to make this meaningful in my life. How does one gain inspiration by mourning for Temples that were destroyed thousands of years ago?
Astrology, The Zodiac and Judaism. How are they connected?
We recently saw some ancient Jewish art pieces which were adorned with the signs of the Zodiac. This was confusing to us. Do Jews believe in astrology? Do we believe the stars have an effect on our lives and on who we are? If they do, how does that affect our free choice? Sometimes we read the horoscopes in the newspaper and it doesn’t seem very Jewish.
My boyfriend wants to abort our Down Syndrome fetus. What do I do?
I am 20 weeks pregnant, and am shocked and devastated to have just received the results from pre-natal testing that I am carrying a Downs Syndrome fetus. My husband wants me to do an abortion, and I am very confused and don’t know what the right thing is to do. What does Judaism have to say about this?