What are the names for God that are used in the Hebrew Bible?
There are many different names for God in the Hebrew Bible, or the Tanach.
I know that there is a prohibition against erasing the name of God. Given today's technology, how is that prohibition being interpreted?
I know that there is a prohibition against erasing the name of God. Given today's technology and the widespread usage of computers, how is that prohibition being interpreted?
What are the main differences between a Jew and a Christian?
Why Do We Bring Bread and Salt to Someone Moving Into a New Home?
Bread is regarded as the most basic foodstuff. In the Talmud, a meal (requiring a blessing to be recited) is defined by the consumption of a piece of bread larger than an olive. There are several traditions that place bread and salt together
How should a mezuzah be put on the doorpost, and what are the prayers?
We painted the interior of our house and want to put back our mezuzah. Exactly how should it be put on the doorpost, & what prayers do we say?
I am rediscovering Judaism. How do I decide which traditions and laws I should follow?
You are not alone. Many Jews are returning to their religion, and are also struggling with the elements of Judaism. Please note that the name for us, ISRAEL, means those who struggle, who wrestle with God. So not only are you in good company, you are being true to your heritage by wrestling, by struggling with an answer and a response to God's call. One could argue, by the way, that those who do not struggle with all of this may be too comfortable.
What is the "platform" of Reform Judaism, and specifically what is it about Reform that makes some other Jews so angry?
There have, in fact, been three occasions on which major "platforms" have been published in the name of Reform Judaism: the Pittsburgh Platform, in 1885; the Columbus Platform, in 1937; and most recently, a statement (more descriptive than prescriptive) called Reform Judaism: A Centenary Perspective, promulgated in 1976.
How can the average Reform Jew be expected to have enough knowledge to interpret Jewish law without guidance from learned rabbis?
If Reform Judaism is about making informed choices, how can the average Reform Jew be expected to have enough knowledge to interpret Jewish law without guidance from learned rabbis?
Is there such a thing as Reform Judaism outside North America? What are European Jews? Reform? Orthodox?
Yes, there certainly is Reform Judaism outside North America. Reform Judaism is actually a product of the European Enlightenment of the late 18th and the 19th century.
Why do we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” in the middle of winter?
Tu BiShvat, called the "New Year of the Trees," falls at a seemingly incongruous time of year.