Question
Dear Rabbi, I read that there are three categories of people whose sins are forgiven: One who converts to Judaism, one who is promoted to high position, and one who gets married. I understand marriage and conversion have power to cleanse iniquities since they are like a new start and the person is transformed (and transforms himself) into a “new person” with a clean slate. But what is the connection between one's promotion and the forgiveness of his previous transgressions? Thanks!

Question
The Torah, in DT 4:1-2, says to live according to God's laws, not adding to them nor removing from them. In Judaism, many traditions have been developed that seem to have become laws that override the Torah. For example, the written law of God says to let the farmland be fallow for every seventh year. Tradition provides a way around the law by allowing people to sell their land for one year to a non-Jew, enabling the farmer to claim, 'I did not farm MY land, so it is OK.' If the land belongs to God, that farmer would still responsible for not having let God's land rest. In fact, according to 2 Chronicles 36:21, because Israel did not keep the shmitah year for 490 years (70 shmitah years), the exile to Babylon was likewise 70 years, to give the land the rest it had been denied by the religious leaders of those days. The same is done during Pessah, selling the Hametz. so you can say, "It's not MY Hametz in my house". These manipulations must be disgusting to God who said not to do them!

Question
Hi...I am trying to get information if there is a way to use a thermos on Shabbat to keep food hot without immersing it in a mikvah. For example, could there be a way to wrap the food so that it didn't touch the inside of the thermos? Thanks for your help!... Gary

Question
Dear Rabbi, I recently lost my father very suddenly due to a heart attack. I am not somebody who is prone to depression, but rather a generally happy and optimistic person. Nevertheless, his sudden death has left me reeling and I don’t know what to do. Can you please help me deal with this and find a way to continue my same happy life as before? Thanks a million!
, ,

Question
Hi Rabbi, I read that there are 36 righteous people in every generation whose identities are hidden from the world. My question is: Why do they stay hidden? Shouldn't they be in the thick of society as renowned Torah leaders? I wonder if it’s possible that I might be one of these 36?! Thanks for this terrific Ask the Rabbi service which Gateways provides!  
, , , , ,