I am taking an Introduction to Judaism Class offered through the Oregon Board of Rabbis. The nineteen sessions are taught by fifteen Portland area rabbis, and while not a conversion course, I do intend to convert when I am finished with the course (the course is a prerequisite before a rabbi will consider us for conversion instruction). I am wanting to learn the Hebrew language as early as posssible in order to get the most out of the Tanach and the Shabbat services. I was wondering if I should learn mainly biblical Hebrew, conversational, or both? I don't see any local classes in my area (even the community college). I know I won't learn just from a book. Do you know of any resources (including the internet) where I could learn to read and speak Hebrew? Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and Shalom. Paul

Hi, I was wondering if it is against the Torah if a man crossdresses as a woman, for fun like at a party with other men, on a regular basis. Is it only the sexual act associated with homosexuality that is against the law of the Torah? Thanks!

what is the meaning of tav mem delath (dalet) ?? or 444, and what would you consider the phrase "i am the fourth glory of this world" to mean?

Dear Rabbi, I ask my question in all sincerity.It is about Haaretz [talkback] because I wanted to hear Israelis' opinions for peace and war and for the future. I was saddened to hear such hate and venom against everyone who did not support Israel's right to war, to inprison a people, to keep building settlements and killing and invading Gaza contantly. I was raised, I say,by my ' yidisha mamas' and never did I hear from them hate and continual war against other peoples. They KNEW what war and hate did to them. I am so concerned that Judism now, is nothing more than a bunch of paybacks for all the hurt from World War II. My 'yidisha mamas' were warm and religious. They held their hand out to strangers , no matter who. They are all dead now but one I speak to. She told me her own son called her an 'ant-semite' because she 'just wanted to discuss the war in Lebaonon.'Rabbi, what do you think the future is for Judism and Israel's Zionism. Thank you, Shalom, Diane Romano