Question: I am a 15 year old boy learning in a Yeshiva. I have learned that these days leading up to Rosh Hashana are days of special closeness to G-d and that working to refine our behavior at this time is most appropriate. I would like to work on my negative tendency to resent others and to be unforgiving. I have tried different methods, such as reminding myself how important it is to forgive others and that G-d will judge me the way I judge others, looking for the positive in others. Yet, no matter how hard I’ve tried, I’ve been unsuccessful. Specifically, I find myself unable to forgive others when I see them repeating their offenses to me such as bullies hurting me physically or damaging my property. Honesty is important to me and I can’t forgive unless I know they sincerely regret their actions and I sincerely forgive them.

Answer: Your question and desire sound very sincere and I am certain that you will have Heavenly help in your character refinement as you keep working to improve and asking the Master of the World for help.

With that said, sometimes a person has to work on developing his ability to love (both himself and others). Try to develop your ability to make room in your heart for others. Sometimes a person is carrying some pain in his heart that makes him feel unlovable or some hurt that makes it hard for him to love others without anger. Sometimes these matters are best spoken out with someone who listens well and who can help you let go of the hurt and move back to being the loving person you truly are.

Wishing you much success,
Rabbi Ephraim Becker

Question: Who is the last person in the Old Testament God spoke to?

Answer: The last prophets seem to have been Chaggai, Zechariah and Malachi, who lived at the beginning of the second temple. After that prophecy ceased, and from then on one could have divine inspiration, but not prophecy.

Rabbi Meir Goldberg,
Rutgers Jewish Xperience

Question: What does the word “Shlita” mean and when is it used – for someone alive or for one who has died?

Answer: It is used only when someone is alive and will often follow a person’s name, usually a prominent Rabbi’s name, when they addressed formally. The word is an acronym that stands for “Sheyichya L’Yamim Tovim Aruchim” , which is a Hebrew prayer for the person to “live for good and long days.”

All the Best,
Rabbi Meir Goldberg,
Rutgers Jewish Xperience

Question: Does G-d personally control all storms of water or does he allow his angels to direct and control these things?

Answer: One might view the laws of nature that God put into existence as “angels” or His “agents”, but they are not just that. In fact, there are two types of rain. Rain which comes about because of the laws of nature God instituted from the beginning and rain that comes only by prayer or His direct providence.

So, whether by His laws or by His providence He is in control.

All the Best,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber

Question: What does the “faithful” mean in the phrase said before the Shema prayer – “El melekh ne’eman” – “Mighty, King, Faithful” ? The word “faithful” is also at the end of the first prayer Jews say when they rise – the Modeh Ani prayer: “rabah emunatecha” – “Great is your faith.” How does G-d have faith?

Answer: That is a wonderful question and the answer is (in my opinion) even more wonderful. When we talk about humans being faithful, we think of a person who is dedicated and loyal to others, who will stand by the other through thick and thin. When we speak about G-d’s “faithfulness”, it is referring to the faith that G-d has in us! No matter how far we stray, how many sins we commit, or mistakes we make, G-d has faith in our ability to improve and repent. The world is based on this kindness and faithfulness. If judgement were instantly meted out, very few (if any) of us would be left standing! That is exactly why the first thing we say each morning, after G-d has returned our souls to our bodies, is a declaration of G-d’s faithfulness. He believes in us and demonstrates this fact by giving us a fresh start each day and we should take this knowledge and use it to strengthen ourselves as we prepare to meet the challenges of a new day. After all, if G-d believes in you, shouldn’t you?

Sincerely,
R’ Daniel Fleksher

Question: Why are ancient Jewish Kings permitted to marry up to 18 wives and not more?

Answer: Thank you for your excellent question! In the Torah (Deuteronomy 17:17), it says, “And he shall not take many wives for himself, in order that his heart will not turn away”. If a King has too many wives, he may become ego-maniacal and forget about G-d. Also, if the wives are from foreign religions, although they had to convert before he could marry them, he might not be able to determine whether their conversions were sincere, since it’s hard to keep track of so many wives, and may thereby bring idolatry into his palace.

So we see that too many wives for a king is forbidden by the Torah, but how do we derive how many is too many? The classic commentary of Rashi on that verse in Deuteronomy says the limit of 18 wives is from the Talmud, where it is derived from another verse in the Bible, II Samuel 12:8, where the prophet Nathan tells King David, who had six wives at the time, that “if this is too little, I would add for you like them, and like them.” Each time it says “like them” means to add the same number, so since there were six already, Nathan would say it would be OK to add that many twice, which would total eighteen. If that number of wives were not permitted for a king, the prophet would not have suggested it.

All the best,
Rabbi Kolakowski

Question: My husband and I, who are not Jewish, have been in deep discussion about religion lately and have decided to explore Judaism, mainly because it makes no sense to follow any other religion. Other religions were made up by man to fit their lifestyle. We are wondering where to start on our new path. Neither one of our parents are Jewish, so we really need some information.

Answer: It is always best to be in touch with a live rabbi who can advise you along your journey. Unfortunately, the only strong community in [your state] is in [city 1] and in [city 2]. I don’t know how far you are from either of those cities.

You should also read a lot. I suggest, to begin with, you read one of these books: Understanding Judaism by Mordechai Katz; To Be a Jew by Hayim H. Donin; This is My G’d by Herman Wouk.

Once you decide that you definitely wish to pursue Judaism you will need to link up with a community where you can experience daily Jewish living.

You might, however, want to investigate the Noahide Covenant with G’d. This is the covenant that G’d made with all non-Jews and there are Noahides today who are living this faith. You can investigate them by reading The Rainbow Covenant by Michael Dallen and visiting the website: 1stCovenant.org.

Good luck,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber

Question: Is it proper for a Torah to be displayed in a cabinet in a business? We are curious about the rules for housing and displaying a Torah.

Answer: Thanks for the question. A Torah is a holy living document, and should be treated with proper respect. It should be stored in a cabinet that reflects its timeless mission and eternal message. Traditionally, it is stored in an elaborate Aron HaKodesh (holy box) cabinet, bedecked with a curtain. The Torah is never placed in a glass case as a museum piece. If it would be used for study or services as the place of business it would be appropriate to keep it there. If not, a home is a more appropriate place.Regards,
Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt
Dallas, TX

Question: I have some Jewish acquaintances who refer to me as “Goy” because I am a non-Jew. As I understand, “Goy” has an edge of insult to it. Am I correct in this understanding? Is Gentile the “polite” term for a non-Jew?

Answer: The word, “Goy,” means a nation. Israel is called a “Goy” many times in the Torah. But, you are correct, that in today’s manner of speaking the word has a slight negative connotation to it. Gentile or non-Jew would be much better terms.

All the Best,
Rabbi Azriel Schreiber