Brit Mila, Pt. 1
We have been blessed with a baby boy and held the bris this week, and have some questions in that regard. Why is there a mitzvah to cut the foreskin of a baby? Also, if God is perfect, why would he create us in a way that is imperfect?
What Are The Three Cardinal Sins?
In general, as you mentioned, if a person were to say to a Jew, “violate one of the commandments or I will kill you,” the Jew should violate the commandment and not be killed, since that the Torah says “You shall observe My decrees and My laws, so that you shall live by them.” (Leviticus […]
Blessings
I have always wondered about blessings and their deeper meanings. Why do we make them and what is their importance?
Ayin Hara (or “Evil Eye”)
I have found that the words “Bli Ayin Hara”, (without an evil eye) are very common in Israel. As time went on I found that some people turn the idea of Ayin Hara into something that controls every facet of their lives. Some people don’t have guests over because they don’t want people “looking” at all the stuff in their house, so the guests shouldn’t look at their belongings with an “evil eye” and cause a loss. I don’t know if I’m required to believe in this “Ayin Hara” business or if I can just assume that everyone is good and looking at me and my family in a good light. If you could please shed some light for us on this subject we would be so grateful.
ABC’s & the Aleph-Beis; The Secular vs. the Hebrew Alphabet
In religious school we started the new year with an assignment to research over the course of the school year. We’re supposed to split up into groups and see which group can come up with the best explanation of the difference between the secular alphabet and the Hebrew alphabet. Some kids thought there’s no real difference, Hebrew just happens to be the ABC’s of the Jews. Others, including us, disagreed and we feel there’s something special about Hebrew. We’re allowed to use any source, so we’re asking different rabbis what they think. Do you agree with the other kids or with us?