Question
If a soldier is missing in action, since there is no body but there is still a chance that he is alive, what is the rule regarding sitting shiva and a funeral service? Especially if his parents think that he might still be alive?

Question
I have a question. I don't understand 2 things. First, why did the Jews begin the 490 years countdown of Daniel 9:24-27 when the first temple was destroyed (Jewish calendar 424/422BC or Gentile date 586 BC) instead of the "decree" of say Cyrus or another figure in Daniel's immediate future to rebuild (536 BC or so)? Is there something in the Hebrew I'm missing? Secondly, I don't understand why or how the Jewish calendar for the date of the destruction of the Temple is so different in the Jewish calendar than the Gentile one - a difference of 164 years or so. I understand that there is roughly 490 years from the destruction of the first temple to the second in AD 70 based on the Jewish calendar (and that is how you understand the 490 years), but I don't understand why the 490 years begins at the destruction of the first temple and not with Cyrus, and I don't understand why the Jewish calendar is 165 years off from the other. Any help would be appreciated.

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I’m thinking of buying a hotel that will be open on Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. What issues regarding Jewish Law must be dealt with?

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May one own a Statue of Liberty replica or a flag of New York? Both show the goddess of Liberty.

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Do Orthodox Jews believe in ghosts?

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What is the significance in Judaism of the colors blue and white? Many talit are white with blue stripes. The Israeli flag is white with blue stripes and a star of David. It seems like a common color theme. Is there any significance? Or did it evolve in popular culture over time like red and green for Christmas?