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Dear Rabbi, Are there forces or circumstances in the world that make a person a certain way, without the person being really responsible for options and results throughout life? For example, might a thief be innocent because of “the stars,” or fate or destiny? Thank you!

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Dear Rabbi, Someone in my university is constantly insulting me. I’m fat, I’m stupid, I’m a loser, blah blah blah. What does Judaism about how I should respond to such insulting behavior? Thanks!

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My sister Chasya just turned 12. However, we are making her Bat Mitzvah party on her Jewish birthday. I am her older sister wanting to ask a few questions. My father is a Kohen but wasn't able to answer these questions. I found this website and decided to write my questions here. 1.How is a cow kosher if we use it for dairy and meat? 2.What do I teach my sister about being a Bat Mitzvah? 3.How should I help her as a new Bat Mitzvah in the family? 4.(For older sibling) How to deal with antisemitic bullying at a public school?

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Several weeks ago, I had a mild case of COVID. I knew it at the time, but I felt mostly well and I went to a wedding to which I was invited that I didn’t want to miss. I wore a mask most of the time I was there, but took it off at times to eat and drink. I later learned that several people who attended that wedding caught COVID soon after. None of them got terribly sick, but I just heard that one man who probably caught it from me had to miss his nephew’s bar mitzvah. Now suddenly I feel remorseful. How do I make amends? Is there anyone to whom I should apologize?

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If a certain individual has written themselves on social media for all to see that they did something bad, is it lashon hara to talk about the bad thing they did?

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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!  

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I’m at an early stage of considering becoming observant in Jewish lifestyle and practices, but something is on my mind that I think holds me back. If I go ahead and follow Jewish Orthodoxy, will I be looked down upon as a “second class citizen” by others who were born observant? Maybe this shouldn’t bother me, but it does. Thanks.

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Dear Rabbi, I have two close friends who recently got into a fight over what I consider a very insignificant matter. It hurts me to see them so angry at each other and I would love to see them make peace. Thanks for any advice!

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What is Judaism’s position on racism? I’m asking this in light of tragic events and the widespread coverage of what people are claiming to be acts of racism, especially in Minnesota recently.