Rabbi Michael Leo SamuelQ. I am doing my PhD. in the field of Jewish Studies. In this connection I am interested in the history of Jews in masonic lodges. As - according to my knowledge - there is at least in the higher degrees of the Scottish Rite quite a lot of Christian symbolism, I wonder, if there is any halachic ruling concerning the membership of Jews in masonic lodges. Could you help me here?
A. Good question. Until now, I never really researched ...
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Question: Rabbi: After reading some of the questions asked regarding marriage I could not find one that answered the question on my mind about a man and a women living together. Therefore, my question is: What does the Torah or Talmud say about a man and a women who have lived together for several years (say 7 or more) and who considered themselves married but have not gone through the “legal” process?
Not having much experience in what the Torah says, ...
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Q. I know that Christians and Jews share many religious beliefs and are very close to each other in spiritual brotherhood. But Christians basically believe that they are created sinful and unclean and, therefore, need a Redeemer, Jesus, to take the sins of believers on Himself so that they may come to God’s Kingdom when they pass over.
Since Jews do not have this Redeemer, how do they become pure enough to enter God’s Kingdom? I realize there is the Law, ...
Learn More ShareQ. I have a very close friend who is Jewish (Conservative). He is deeply religious and his faith is the foundation of his entire life; it provides the context for his close relationship with his family and motivates his work. The Torah is very important to him.
As part of his duty he served and played a key role in the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and was on the ground there for several months. Since his return he has ...
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