850 Intriguing Questions About Judaism

Both Jews and non-Jews alike have many misconceptions of Jewish teachings and practices. Some seemingly unusual statements about Jewish teachings and practices are actually true, whereas some apparently reasonable and popularly believed statements are false. Many statements regarding Jewish teachings and practice are partly true and partly false, requiring a more nuanced explanation of the true situation. In 850 Intriguing Questions about Judaism: True, False, or In Between, Ronald L. Eisenberg explores a wide range of Jewish teachings and practices, discussing the degree to which they are true, false or a bit of both. Offered in question-and-answer format, readers are invited to explore with the author what they really know about Jewish life, history, holidays, and scripture. Eisenberg tackles all sorts of topics, from artificial insemination to organ donation and euthanasia, second day festivals in the Diaspora to the why really sound the shofar, from what the ner tamid signifies to Jewish “rules of war.” Throughout, Eisenberg takes a nuanced approach to his topics, laying the groundwork for a useful survey of what we ought to know better about Jews, Judaism, and Jewish teachings and practices. This is perfect reference work for anyone curious about Judaism, Jewish life, and Jewish history, and who has ever wondered what the real answer was to the many questions they might have had.

The "Shadow Tree Series" comprises a unique collection of Western Esoteric studies and practices which Jacobus G. Swart, spiritual successor to William G. Gray and co-founder of the Sangreal Sodality, has actuated and taught over a period of forty years. In "The Book of Immediate Magic - Part 1" Jacobus G. Swart perpetuates the fundamental tenets of "Self Creation" in which it is maintained that the "Centre" establishes the "Circumference," and that personal reality is emanated in harmony with personal "Will." Hence this tome comprises an enhancement and expansion of the magical doctrines and techniques of Practical Kabbalah addressed in "The Book of Self Creation," "The Book of Sacred Names," and "The Book of Seals & Amulets." Jacobus Swart claims that working "Immediate Magic" is neither impossible nor difficult when we fully understand that consciousness is just one vast ocean, and that thoughts are the waves we make in it. It is all a matter of coordinating consciousness.

Ilie Bădescu and Joseph Livni follow the footsteps of two giants who pioneered the field: H. H. Stahl of Romania, who studied the sociology of communal societies, and D. J. Elazar of the United States, who studied the political science of covenantal societies. This collection sheds light on obscure corners of the field, gathering up thoughts and concepts of many other sources of past and contemporary research in the field. In this volume, the reader will find answers to difficult questions like: How did acephalous societies penetrate civilization? How did they manage to preserve their egalitarian ethos? Why did powerful hierarchies work in partnership with them? And, most importantly, how did covenantal societies work around the constraints of a civilized reality? The history of civilization consists of various degrees of stratified configurations ranging from oligarchic city states to powerful pyramidal empires.

The Word of God—or Just Words of Man? The Bible is the central book of two religions—Judaism and Christianity. The Old Testament is the purported history of the Israelites, written and compiled mostly around 500 BCE during the Babylonian Captivity of the Jews. The New Testament, which was put together around 397 CE, lays out the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, and relates the history of the early Church. With historical and scientific research, this insightful book makes a strong case that the Bible is not what it claims to be. The story of the Creation, the Great Flood, and many other cornerstone stories of the Bible are just myths . . . including Exodus. There is no evidence that the Jews were ever slaves in Egypt; they did not cross the Red Sea or roam in Sinai. There is good evidence that Jesus lived and was crucified, but many accounts of his life are not recorded anywhere else in history. The stories, commandments, and statements that Jews and Christians use to govern their lives are based in fiction. With careful skill, The Unbiblical Bible debunks the idea that the Bible is a God-given religious resource. Whether you’ve already begun to doubt the Bible or you’re new to the idea that a healthy skepticism is appropriate, this book will give you food for thought, and ideas to assist you on your path to a greater truth.

What your rabbi probably has never told you, but could - if you'd only ask.''''Every day I wonder if God is real, if the Torah is true. Every day I wonder why I'm a Jew. But that's part of being Jewish. In the Torah, we're called Yisrael - the ones who wrestle with God. Wrestling, asking, wondering, searching is just what God wants us to do! God loves good questions. Now tell me, what are your questions?'''' - from Chapter 1In Judaism we're allowed to ask questions. We are invited to ask them. But for young people, it often feels as if no one is willing to take tough questions about religion, ourselves, and the world seriously.This updated and expanded new edition of Tough Questions Jews Ask turns that all around. With honesty, humor and respect, Rabbi Edward Feinstein tackles topics as diverse as:Why Does God Let Terrible Things Happen?What Is God Anyway?If I Pray for Something, Will I get It?What's the meaning of life? Is that a dumb question?Why Does Religion Need So Many Rules?Why Be Jewish?With insight and wisdom - and without pretending to have all the answers - Rabbi Feinstein encourages young people to make sense of the Jewish tradition by wrestling with what we don't understand.

Using a question-and-answer format, an introductory reference for both Jews and non-Jews presents information on Judaism as derived from the Torah, the Talmud, and traditional customs, rituals, and laws

Many people turn to the Internet when they have questions about anything including Judaism. Spiritual searchers today are no different. The profusion of Web sites, online forums, and e-mail discussion groups devoted to Judaism provides ample testimony to the need and desire for nearly instantaneous access to spiritual information and guidance. In our modern technology focused society today, America Online's "Ask a Rabbi" service was an instant hit the moment it was introduced over a decade ago. As an original volunteer for this service for eight years, Rabbi Kohn answered over 1,300 questions about every imaginable Jewish topic ranging from anti-Semitism, sex, God, Jewish holidays, death, Kabbalah, Kashrut, prayer, spirituality, and much more. Rabbi Kohn's answers are short and concise, answering the questions directly often with humor but always with feeling. Jewish FAQs is a selection of nearly 300 of the best, most interesting, and informative questions and answers similar to a Web site's Jewish FAQ (frequently asked questions). A FAQ is a file containing the essential questions and answers to help users find and understand a Web site. Jewish FAQs is similar because it provides a basic introduction to anything and everything related to Jewish life all in one place. So if you have a question about Judaism, whether you're young or old, Internet savvy or a dyed-in-the-wool print-and-paper reader, chances are, you'll find the answer here in Jewish FAQs.