Ask the Rabbi: Questions and Answers about God

Belief in God

Baal Teshuva Under Attack - I recently became a baal teshuva and on my first trip back home, my friends and family started peppering me with questions: Why do I do this, and why do I do that? I'm really new to this, and I could not... More

Exodus - Blood on the Doorpost - The Torah describes (Exodus 12:6-7) how each Hebrew family designates a lamb, and sets it aside. On the evening of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, they slaughter the lamb, roast and eat... More

Faith vs. Knowledge - My Christian friends are always speaking about “faith.” To me this sounds a lot like blind faith. Is that really the essence of religion? More

Attributes & Names of God

How God Created - I understand that God does not have a physical being, but only a spiritual being. What I don't understand is how any entity without any physical being can be responsible for the creation of the planet... More

In the Image of God - Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith states: "I believe with perfect faith that God does not have a body. Physical concepts do not apply to Him. There is nothing that resembles Him at all." What, then, is... More

Sanctity of Human Body - You recently referred to the “Bodies” exhibit in which you elucidated your opinion that it flies in the face of the sanctity of the human body. I have trouble fathoming what sanctity there is to the human... More

Connecting to God

Praying for Smaller Needs - We had a discussion in our class in religious school if it's right to ask God to help us with everyday activities, like getting to school safely, doing well on a test, getting a summer job, or getting... More

Shema - With All Your Soul - In the "Shema" prayer, the Jewish "Pledge of Allegiance," we are commanded to "serve God with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deut. 6:5). What does it mean to love God with all your soul? More

Sons of Aaron - Do it "My Way" - Why are there so many rules in Judaism? Can’t I just “do it my way?” More

Idolatry

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Divine Providence

Cosmetic Surgery - What does the Torah say about nose jobs – both from a legal and philosophic point of view? Are they permitted, or is this considered tampering with Creation? More

Effort versus Trust in God - I heard a joke about a man who wants to win the lottery. Each week he prays to win, and after many weeks go by, he finally complains to God, "Why haven't I won?" Replies God, "You should have bought a... More

Life's Big Picture - My credo in life has always been: Work hard, plan, and struggle. Yet I find that things often just end up a big mess. The righteous suffer and the wicked prosper. How can the pieces of this puzzle... More

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