Ask the Rabbi

Question:  I have a question about Jesus and God.  I don’t believe that Jesus was God’s son, what do Christians believe that’s different from Jews?  And what do Jews believe, who do they think Jesus was if they don’t believe he was God’s son?  Do we believe in heaven and hell like Christians do? Please … Read more

Question:  I’m writing a paper on spirituality and I need to know a source on the earliest clear presentation on the anthropological view of the make-up of man from a Jewish perspective.  The earlier the better.  Does it mirror the Greek view or how does it differ? Body, soul, spirit with the soul or spirit … Read more

Question:  Why do you bring bread and salt to someone in a new home? Answer: The custom may stem from a superstition against going to a new home empty-handed, let one inadvertently curse the house by not presenting it with a gift.  A house, and particularly a table, is our substitution for the Temple altar … Read more

Question:  When does the Jewish calendar begin from? Is it the actual Rosh Hoshana? Obviously it’s not the common era as defined by christians.  When was year one and how was that decided? Answer: In the early part of the first or second century of the Common Era, a Midrash called Seder Olam (“The Order … Read more

Question:  I know that this is not a simple question and I am also aware that this question has many answers, depending on who I ask.  I would like to know who has the “right to the land of Israel”. I am doing a project in world history on this and I am trying to … Read more

Question:  Is it a sin to date a non-Jew? Answer: I believe that Jews have been given the wonderful gift of a rich spiritual legacy.  Jews should not marry non-Jews because it is extremely difficult to live a committed Jewish life and raise a committed Jewish family when only one partner in the marriage is … Read more

BiblicalRabbinicMedievalHolocaustModernGeneral  History – Biblical Question:  In my proven genealogical ancestry, I am a proven direct descendant of Ishmael and Abraham. What I would like to know is there a genealogical chart on this, or can one be found? Answer:  There are no genealogical records dating back to the time of Abraham.  Although Jews trace ourselves … Read more

Question:  I am in sixth grade. I am having problems reading Hebrew. I know many prayers, but I am having trouble. My Bar- Mitzvah is next year — I don’t think that I will be ready. I need to learn it. I am getting some help from a student teacher. He is no help. I … Read more

Question:  I have a simple question which I realize may have a very complex answer.  Does the Jewish Faith believe in an afterlife? Answer:  Actually, there is a simple answer to your question — yes.  If you want to know more, read on. Question: How does Jews think of death? Is there life after death? … Read more

1. Can anyone join the Jewish faith?  Would it make me a Jew? 2. Do Jews believe that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came once in the flesh and is coming a second time for his church? Answer:  The answers to your questions, in order, are: 1)  Yes and Yes — as long as they renounce … Read more