Question
Shalom aleichem Rabbi Lauffer. Thank you for answering my last question. I came across something in the Artscroll Shmuel Aleph that might have a bearing on a question Rabbi Lauffer answered for me a couple years ago, but I'm not sure if it does or not. I asked Rabbi Lauffer "Is one allowed to do a coin flip in order to determine the result of a sports competition that he is betting on, or is this prohibited because of what the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 179:1) writes that “One should not inquire from stargazers and not through lotteries" and Rabbi Lauffer graciously answered me saying, "Personally, I think that it is forbidden. The Sages teach that it is sometimes permissible to do certain actions that are comparable to stargazing and the like but only when there is some kind of a connection between the "omen" and the thing that it is being done for." The note in the Artscroll Shmuel p. 243 writes "According to Radak, omens are prohibited only if they reflect commonly accepted superstitious belief. However, a person is permitted to devise a sign to aid him in making a decision. Thus, the Talmud's citation of Jonathan does not mean to state that his action was impermissible. On the contrary, the Talmud's use of Jonathan's incident is to teach that it is appropriate to rely only on an omen that has been clearly stipulated in advance. A disquieting incident that has not been specified in advance only appears like a bad omen, and should be given no credence. Rema assumes that Radak's interpretation of the verse is coincident with the opinion of Raavad [and in opposition to that of Rambam], and Rema cites these two valid opinions regarding the use of omens (Yoreh Deah 179:4)." According to this Rema cited in the Artscroll, would doing a weighted coin flip on a calculator be permitted to decide the winner of a sports contest that one is betting on, or would it be forbidden as Rabbi Lauffer paskens. Thanks a lot.
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Question
What is the most important portrait of a Jewish soul? Is a Jewish soul kind and merciful? Is a Jewish soul smart and wise? Is a Jewish soul strong and mighty? What is the most important character of a Jewish soul?

Question
I found the following terms in old German prayer books for sections of the morning service for the holidays. Yotzrot, Zolot Golah, Korovot, Selak. Please provide explanation of these different parts of the service. Are these terms used in current prayer books?

Question
So, I'm a convert to Judaism. I converted 7 years ago. I started working part time at a salvation army thrift store (I also work with the school district with Autistic Children). I really needed more more to survive. So this year I took off for Rosh Hashanah ....but they scheduled a "manatory" meeting on that day. I did not show up since I had taken the day off. No one said anything about it, but they put on the schedule that I would have to work on Friday to make it up. So there was no school on Friday...I said "great". They offered the evening or morning shift. I reminded the manager that I don't work Shabbot. So I get a call reminding me to come into work on Friday evening. I reminded the manager that I took the morning shift. She became angry and said "I knew this would happen". There is no one else who can work for you...so you will come in?" So I told her I would not come in but would turn in a two week notice. She called me about 30 minutes later and said "We can't afford to lose you...you're a good cashier so I just got someone to cover your shift Friday." I feel like she views my beliefs as invalid. She always telling me she will pray for me...but in a kind way. And now I'm considering still giving notice. What do you think???
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Question
We are planning a trip to Prague and wondered whether it is permissible to visit the Klementium Library, which from 1655 to 1722 was a monastery. Since the 18th century it has served as a Jesuit college, and the last few centuries as a library. Is one permitted to visit if it was once a monastery? Thank you  

Question
Hello, I think the following words Im to inquire about are Hebrew so I dont know how to spell them. I've tried doing my own research but am not sure the results Im getting are accurate. I dont know anything about the culture or language. I would really appreciate your help. Does anything like (phonetically speaking) hahlah, hehlem, hadonai mean or signify anything? Also the same for the words masidi, jele, jem? Thank you for your time.