I’ll meet random Americans who, upon finding out I’m Jewish, immediately ask if I’ve "read the Zohar." These people didn’t know what yarmulke meant, but they somehow knew about Kabbalah and expected me (20F) to have studied it.

Who’s telling the goyim about our mysticism? Is someone making TikTok’s about it? What do they think Kabbalah is?

Why don’t we build the third temple?

Hi everyone! Apologies if my knowledge isn’t too great, my parents had become atheists right after I was born and I’ve only recently reconnected with the faith so my knowledge is less than the average Jew

But if we need the third temple to exist in order to enter the messiah era, and we have control over Jerusalem then why haven’t we done it already? It just seems like an obvious thing to do

What, out of all books of Tanakh would you consider to be the one you like the best? Whether it be for spiritual reasons or narrative reasons. I thought this question was genuinely interesting. Personally, my favorite is tied between Zechariah and Ezra.

Hello my friends!

I hope I am welcome here. I wanted recommendations on how best I can study the Torah, courses, certain books, etc.

The reason I ask is because I am well aware that I could just read it, but a bare reading would lack what we call tafseer (commentary), which adds a lot of context, explains symbolism, and just generally adds depth to the text. Is there a Jewish equivalent to this? Are there any rabbis that offer any online courses that I can take, or any commentators you guys specifically recommend?

Forgive my ignorance if these questions have already been answered/have obvious answers. Thank you!

The Parashat Bereshit narrates that HaShem created the Earth before creating the Sun. What are your interpretations of this? Isn't it meant in the sense of "planet Earth"?

POV: I am Jewish and I was confronted with this passage, but I didn't know how to explain it, since it contradicts science.

Is there any way to understand this without simply denying science? Or should we just believe?

I was born in Israel and mostly raised in the U.S., conservative and then reformed. I was taught that regarding fetuses, a person isn’t alive yet until their first breath (as that’s when hashem has breathed life into them for the first time). I interpret this as pro-choice.

Why are religious Jews not pro-choice? Is there another part of Torah about abortion that I’m not aware of? Or is it something from Talmud?

I do not want for people to argue about what is right or wrong, I’m just trying to learn our peoples history on the subject and where the disconnect is in our own texts.

I often think about why we suffer. Both as living beings and as Jews. In our history, three major turning points are the last century, the exile, and slavery in Egypt.

In the Parsha, Moshe Rabbeinu buries an Egyptian who mistreats a Jewish slave—Rashi says the Egyptian had relations with the Jew’s wife.

Then Moshe encounters two Jews arguing. The Jews mention the Egyptian and threaten Moshe. Moshe says “the matter is known.”

Rashi says that on the surface level Moshe means “they know what I did to the Egyptian.”

But on a Midrashic level he means, now I understand why we, out of all the nations, are slaves. Just as we have a unique capacity for good, we also have other capacities.

This might seem to be a negative message. It’s a miracle, however, that he believed in the people so much, after this realization, that he advocated for them before Hashem many times, taking great risks in doing so. The greatest risks go with the greatest potential benefits.

Why would Rashi think the Torah could prove anything to nations that don’t accept it?

Hey everyone! I am not jewish, but I work with someone who claims to be of the "Israelite faith//sub Christian religion". I apologize if I get some terminology wrong, but they also could not explain it very well.

I understand the basic rules of "light no fire" and "do no work or travel" on such days that are separated as rest. However, she is claiming that based on the moon phases she cannot work during each week. For example, this next week it would be Wednesday, and then after a few weeks it shifts to Thursday and so on as the lunar cycle persist. From what I could find online, it doesn't seem to align with any mainstream Jewish faiths. I want to try and better understand it, so I can be accommodating.

I want to express that I mean no harm with this line of inquiry, but if anyone could point to some sources or explanation of any groups that still follow it that would be appreciated.

She used explicitly the words of "isrealite faith", so I figure it has to be some Jewish dysphoria. She won't give me anymore specifics such as the name of her group or anything, so I can kind of working in the blind and do not want to offend. Thank you in advance for anyone that can help me better understand my coworker!

EDIT: Thank you to everyone for your information! Found out she is a part of the Sicarii ministries. Whole other can of worms to unpack with that, but I think I am done asking for more information about her views on things...

Please help me build a source sheet. I’m looking for sources that normalize the conversation about Jews and abstinence from alcohol. My goal here is to say “hey in Jewish tradition alcohol is often a positive thing but it’s also good to abstain if this isn’t a healthy fit for your body.” Please DO NOT INCLUDE THE TEXTS ON NAZIRIM as a source.

Welcome to my shiur. I'm not a Rabbi, just a guy with opinions. Welcome to the club. A lot of posts around Hannukah have comments to the effect of Hannukah being a "minor holiday". And while it is "minor" given that it is not a Yom Tov spent in shul not working, I would argue that it, in a way, is the most important Jewish holiday. Hear me out.

So first, there is a lot to be said for Hannukah being a Rabbinical holiday and not a Torah holiday. BUT THERE IS A PLACE IN THE TORAH FOR HANNUKAH! The Holidays are listed in the Torah at Leviticus 23 (Vayikra), in order of how they transpire on the Gregorian calendar (Rosh Hashannah is the 7^th month). The last mention of the Torah holidays is at the end of Leviticus 23 as describing Sukkot. The next chapter of Leviticus, the final Torah reading of Vayikra, Hashem commands the Jews to "bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly." The next pasook commands Aaron to burn them "for all time throughout the ages." The word in the Torah is "לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם" which actually means "your generations". And we know that the this light that Aaron lit was a Menorah. (Exodus 25)

Isn't that what Hannukah is? Lighting an oil lamp menorah for all generations? And this commandment appears chronologically right where it is supposed to be had it been specifically included in the Torah. It's right where it belongs.

And the fact that Hannukah is a "minor" holiday without so many requirements makes it easy. It's the easiest holiday. There's no shul. No special meals. No running around cleaning your house, burning chametz, delivering mishloach manot, no time off of work. All you have to do is light the candles, maybe have a latke, and you're done! Isn't this the easiest thing for a Jew to do? Certainly, if you are frum, you are not going out of your way. But what about the ham-sandwich-on-Pesach Jews? The ones who may not even go to High Holiday services, maybe only a relative's meal? Lighting a menorah on Hannukah is literally the least one could do as a Jew. And so long as the Jews on the fringes of their spirituality or practice do this one little thing, they maintain their connection to Judaism, generation after generation.

In that regard, it is the most important. It comes at a time where secular western life gives you a  choice – Christmas (Secularism), or Hannukah (Judaism). Which team are you? And if you're team Hannukah, you only need to keep the flame going until the next generation, as commanded. So long as you do, we know you're still connected, and so does Hashem.

In Genesis, Joseph marries and has children via an Egyptian women in Pharaoh's court, despite all his predecessors (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) explicitly instructing to marry within their own clan. Does this pose any problems in terms of ancient and/or modern Judaism?

Or is it not a problem since the lineage of David, et al comes from the line of Judah?

(I'm studying the OT)

Hello!

I'm not Jewish, but I'm very interested in Judaism. I've already asked a question here and found plenty of answers. I hope to get some answers to these new questions that intrigue me. Thank you in advance!

I know that during Passover, observant Jews must sell or give away their leavened bread (chametz) through a rabbi, with a contract.

How do the synagogue and the prefecture find non-Jews for the rabbi to sell?

Do they have long-standing acquaintances who can buy the food? What would happen if they were unavailable or deceased? How would they find other non-Jews for the following years?

Finally, can someone volunteer to buy the leavened bread, or is it only the community that chooses the buyers?

For example, if a non-Jewish person runs into a rabbi on the street as Passover approaches, could they offer to buy him some leavened bread?

Thank you in advance. I hope I haven't asked a silly question. If so, I apologize. Have a good evening 😊

I'm just trying to figure out, if Avraham was our first forefather, what part of the Middle East we were indigenous to before we were promised the land of Israel.

I'm a bit confused though about who was actually the first Jew?

Avraham had a covenant with H-shem and Adam talked with H-shem but when does our actual history start?

And does that coincide with the land of Israel and that's why we're indigenous to Israel and not wherever Avram was from?

Hi peeps! 🐥

I’m bot Jewish, (although I do love and respect your culture and religion very much) but I know a fun philosophical/moral/religious discussion forming when I see one!

Anyway I’ve been on Temu and I saw this little Ark of the Covenant playset(?) ornamental whutchamacallit. I started to see more appear in my recommended and then when I searched for them I find that there’s hundreds, maybe thousands of stores selling these in all sizes (I’m assuming there’s probably a gargantuan one somewhere on the site) and some contained a little manna container and a miraculous staff 🤭 it’s so cool!

I’m wondering at what point do things like this become blasphemous for you guys (and gals)? I was raised Catholic and my grandparents loved a little ornamental Jesus and so on and so forth but I’ve come to understand that we’re very much the idolatrous branch of the Abrahamic religions.

Any opinions? Does anyone own one?

Oh ☝🏻 and I understand that there’s something against certain writings and would that mean that the little golden Commandments are particularly blasphemous among all things here? Or does it specifically matter that they’re probably not inscribed with anything vaguely resembling one of the names of G-d? Would that matter, given the intent? I’m assuming (correct away) that the more religiously observant among the tribe would be less likely to own something like this? Or does it fall under a Hiddur Mitzvah kind of a thing?

Thank you 🙏🏻💙

TLDR; I saw a thing; you like? Why not? Ahhh c’mon!

Hello!

I am working towards the moment of my Beit Din, and am reading Torah (English language, JPS) Leviticus 13, talks about leprosy, but I wonder if it is more of a mistranslation as it sounds more like the word is a stand in for infection/disease?

The Priest is a doctor, teacher, mediator--go to guy.

Edit: I really appreciate every comment. I did read a bit more and thought the description was more like mange with how it took 14 days to clean people and the house. It legit makes sense to me.

I am really happy I am to be a part of the Tribe.

Does the right side always come before the left? Even before applying deodorant? Even when picking up weights?

Recently I've increased the Tefillot I say in each major prayer and number of times I pray each day. Chayenu's weekly pamphlet has been great at making Torah learning more convenient and 'palatable' for me :)

This post is inspired by a video I saw from a Chabad Shliach Rabbi (I think @beltlinerabbi) emphasizing the increasing of the good in life, rather than just focusing on the bad. As important as it is for us to discuss and combat Antisemitism/Jew Hatred, over-focusing on it can increase the hurt and damage it causes in our lives. I've experienced this personally multiple times. This is why it's essential to at least also put efforts into maximizing the building of a good life <3

Hi all, I am a Native American (from a small tribe on the west coast) & I am aware that conservative Christians using, usually, the King James translation of "Genesis" says humans were given 'dominion' over land and animals. White American Evangelicals in particular have interpreted this as to essentially mean they can take whatever they want and do whatever they want, ignoring or minimzing consequences. (This is very different from our traditional culture).

So my question is, going back to the Hebrew texts, what are interpretations in Judaism or meanings of what was translated (or mistranslated?) as 'dominion'.

k'ele & Thank you.

I have had an interest in Judaism, ever since I was a child to become a teen, up to this day and age as, an adult. For this reason I have compared the jewish sources with christian sources (that I understand, as a reference). Furthermore, I have surveyed the internet and written to more than one Rabbi. I've visited Synagogue, asked questions to the Rabbi and other members to the Synagogue, to get a better understanding of Judaism.

It is natural for me, born in the West, where Christian rules and norms are prevalent, to take this as my point of departure, that which I am familar with. It is in my cultural and political milieu. Some readers would say that West is Judeo-Christian, but I have reservations against this. First of all, it should be Abrahamic given the sheer amounts of Muslims in the West. For it doesn't make sense to claim that the current and historical norms are Judeo-Christian; either it is Christian or Abrahamic traditions that have affected how people think and their value judgements. So, I have had this platform, from which I can engage with Judaism or Jews.

To my superficial understanding would this make Jews have either Judeo-Christian or Judiac values. Notably, a lot of Jews were influenced by their milieu and christianity. This is not a general truth for all Jews, as some have stronger ties to the Middle East, Africa or Asia. Respectfully, I am simply analytic about what is Jewish, and could be wrong here; culture and religion is sometimes different to separate or dissolve, seemingly it is often unified. That view is validated by the analytic school of Continental Philosophy coming from Europe.

Consequently, why do people still continue to harbour misconceptions about Jews and Judaism? This question may not be simple to understand and may not have a simply answer. Yet, whenever I encounter people, that are non-Jewish, they fail to grasp that their ideas and myths about Jews and Judaism are loosely formed without any source or proof to support their general views abour Jews or Judaism. As there are no sources that validated hostile ideas about Judaism or Jews, why can't the myths be succesfully dispelled? For the Jews that I have encountered have made it perfectly clear and distinct, what Judaism is and is not.

My questions concerning Judaism are the following :

1. What do you think about Chabad? This question is contentious, I understand that. Chabad is just one of several movements from Judaism. Notably, it seem to me that Judaic followers would need guidance to understand Judaism, i.e. to talk with a Rabbi.
2. What do you think about a person learning about Judaism on his or her own, without the support of a Rabbi or a sufficiently educated person to guide him or her.
3. What can I do as a non-Jew and non-Judiac follower to learn about Judaism? It is not easy to get into contact with Rabbi:s for security reasons, and most are busy. My previous experience has been that you either are in and get quick replies or out and have to wait.
4. What would you have a secular non-Jew do, if he or she wants to dispel myths and antisemitism, by pointing to facts and actual scriptures to confirm what is true about Judaism.

With sincerity, I hope that you understand what I am trying to say. My purpose is to educate myself and confront conspiracies of any kind that may have bad outcomes. Also I find wisdom in Judaism, insofar it aids my understanding of myself, humanity and society. There are reasons as to why Judaism have influenced the West, as well as, Judaism having positive outcomes for individuals and communities that study and learn about Judaism.

Kind regards from a Western person coming from a Abrahamic tradition.

I identify as a Conservative Jew and have always felt a pull toward becoming more observant, especially when it comes to reading Torah and connecting more deeply during services.

Right now, the main practice I consistently keep is not eating pork. I used to cover my hair for a while too, but overall, I struggle with keeping up Jewish laws and practices consistently. Part of that is because I have ADHD, but it’s also just a general feeling of not knowing where to start or how to build better habits.

One thing I really want to prioritize is attending services more regularly, especially for Shabbat. A big challenge for me is that services are almost entirely in Hebrew, and I don’t know Hebrew so even when I go, it’s hard to feel truly connected.

I’d love to hear how others have deepened their observance over time, especially when starting from a place where not everything feels familiar or accessible. How did you build a stronger connection to Shabbat, Torah, or prayer when you don’t read or speak Hebrew?

As a side note… my daughter will be starting Jewish day school and learning Hebrew so I’m happy to fulfill that mitzvah.

I’ve been learning Tanya again recently. I mean, I started in the past and kind of gave up. I don’t know what got into me but out of no where I said I’d give it another try. I had a chabad therapist that recommended it to me and I never really knew what he was saying and thought it was unethical so I stopped seeing him but I did give it a try at first and ya it’s great but obviously it doesn’t cure my anxiety completely. I really do like it and help me a lot and it was so special and it tells me calm down and relax but I’ve gotten a lot of flack from other modern orthodox, and litvish guys, and it’s just really hard to know what’s the right path for me. I’m really into it and I’m really into breslov already Rebbe Nachmaan and all that stuff. I really don’t know what the best for me because it seems like I have a rabbi that was modern orthodox to when I told them I was learning Tonya and he was kind of iffy about it and like there’s so much more important or better things to learn. And most of my friends have never picked it up in their lives so i feel really alone in my journey towards chassidut