Question
Dear Rabbi, I recall, but can't find where, that Elokim or a word spelled almost the same is used in Tanach just to mean "great men" or "powerful men"? If so, can you tell me where? (In which case, am I right that I can write it and say it without capitalizing it and without replacing the H with a K??? ) That is my question, but the reason for the question is that a non-Jew I know in an online discussion group says that, "You shall not have other gods, Elokim acherim, before me" implies that there exist other gods. I replied that it refers to idols, etc. treated as gods but he says that's an interpretation. If, as I recall (but I could be mistaken) I could show places where elohim clearly meant people, I think he would relent. I found three inadequate locations. When the Israelites ask for the Golden Calf, they use the same word ("make us a god" ) but I think they plan to regard it as a real god. And in Shoftim 17:5 it's translated as idolatry, but that would not prove to him that they were not gods, that is, with supernatural powers. And I think I found one place in Ketuvim that was not convincing to me, maybe because it was written hundreds of years later. Am I right, that Elokim is used for "great men" somewhere in Tanach? Or was it elsewhere I saw it? Surely not the liturgy? Because I don't understand Hebrew well, I only read the Hebrew for Tanach and the liturgy, so if I correctly remember that it it is there, it must be in Tanach or the service. Thank you.

Question
Is there anything about Jewish life that the Jewish people would like others to know about them?

Question
In Genesis 4:1, Eve says, "I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord." Does the original word used for "Lord" (if it has been translated properly) indicate the Lord God, or is it intended to be as in "my Lord Adam," as it is used in other places to designate the husband or a master?

Question
Shalom! As in the case of a hurricane hitting FL, why pray? Is it so we feel closer to Hashem? We as individuals can't do anything about it, but G-d can if He wills it. Why not let Him handle it without our trying to micro-manage it ourselves? What is gained by prayer? Are we showing off to others? To G-d? To ourselves? Is the alternative to sit by with our faith and know G-d does what's best? If so then....why pray? Just have faith? Not that there is anything wrong with "just" having faith. I feel led to pray about this hurricane and I may say a prayer of protection or me shebeirach which is really for the already ill, but why pray at all? We're partners with G-d? Is that maybe part of the reason we pray in such times? Thanks! gut yontiff, Jeffrey Kahn Fayetteville, NC

Question
Dear Rabbi, with the creation of light, our awareness of our present condition began. But the sun and the moon were not created immediately, so how was it possible for the first day to end? I'm sure this basic question has been asked before along with several others of a related kind. Where is a good English source to find the answers?  

Question
My question deals with the human mind and consciousness of the world.   Genesis 2:7.   “God formed the Human blowing into his nostrils the (mind) breath of life: the Human became a living being.”   Def: לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ: breath of life, mind, soul   I believe this pesuk answers what scientists and philosophers have questioned for centuries. Many believe that neurons, synapsis’, electrical signals along nerve pathways, and brain chemicals are the origin and reality of our conscious minds.   The question is how matter/atoms attach consciousness and wisdom to dust. How does brain matter or dust see, hear, taste, smell, feel, or have an awareness of thoughts, cognition, dreams, and interpersonal relationships? We must look closely at Genesis 1:26-27 for a more accurate understanding of Hashem’s creation.   “And God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth.” And God created humankind in the divine image, creating it in the image of God—creating them male and female.” As Hashem has no likeness, image, or substance, to whom is He talking? In human terms, our human consciousness/mind has no likeness, image, or substance. Could the Infinite Creator be a MIND be talking to our finite created mind’s consciousness? Before He blew us in the nostrils of our matter/atom body at first breath, we became humankind.   Your insight is appreciated.