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 […]
Do We Celebrate the Death of A Wicked Person
There’s been a lot of debate around out house lately if it’s proper to throw a party in celebration of the death of the arch-terrorist Arafat. My sister feels that the death of someone who’s killed so many Jews deserves a major bash. I don’t have a good reason to argue with her, but deep down feel there’s something Jewishly wrong with doing that. What can you say about this?
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.
Daf HaYomi, Mishna and Talmud
I have a cousin in New York whom I call on occasion, and at times when I call to speak to him his wife tells me he’s “out doing the Doff”. I’m a little embarrassed to ask her what that means, so could you possibly shed some light on this for me? Much appreciated.
Buying and Selling – Jewish Business Ethics
I am a realtor and have a Jewish client who’s interested in a particular home. I told my client who is an observant Jew that another Jew has already put in a bid on the same house. He says since he might win the bid over a fellow Jew he’s not allowed to bid on the house. Is this true?
