Questions

what is the meaning of tav mem delath (dalet) ?? or 444, and what would you consider the phrase "i am the fourth glory of this world" to mean?

Dear Rabbi, I ask my question in all sincerity.It is about Haaretz [talkback] because I wanted to hear Israelis' opinions for peace and war and for the future. I was saddened to hear such hate and venom against everyone who did not support Israel's right to war, to inprison a people, to keep building settlements and killing and invading Gaza contantly. I was raised, I say,by my ' yidisha mamas' and never did I hear from them hate and continual war against other peoples. They KNEW what war and hate did to them. I am so concerned that Judism now, is nothing more than a bunch of paybacks for all the hurt from World War II. My 'yidisha mamas' were warm and religious. They held their hand out to strangers , no matter who. They are all dead now but one I speak to. She told me her own son called her an 'ant-semite' because she 'just wanted to discuss the war in Lebaonon.'Rabbi, what do you think the future is for Judism and Israel's Zionism. Thank you, Shalom, Diane Romano

Rabbi, My girlfriends dog died last week. I am really unsure what to do as far as Jewish law goes in circumstances such as this. She is truly devastated by the loss of her dog who lived within her family for 14 years. What are the rules governing the death of pets. I take it we dont sit shiva - but the vet had said that she should be cremated which I am extremely uncomfortable with. I realise that pets dont follow religion, but how should their owners act when they move on from this life. Is there any guidance? Much appreciated. James

My dog, a beloved family pet, has recently died. She was with my family for fourteen years. We're all grieving so much right now and I can't seem to come to terms with her death-- she was part of my childhood (We adopted her when I was 12 and I'm now 26) and I feel such an emptiness. Even though I haven't lived at home with my parents in a long time, I still always loved her and spent time when I went home, including special trips I made when she was sick. I was wondering what Jewish faith says about death of pets. I remember when my grandfather died, I was really comforted by our faith and how we view the loss of life. With my dog, there are no services, no rabbis, special prayers (of what I know!) or anything like that. It seems to only be a grieving process, but still and all, I'm hoping there is something that can be said about the loss of a cherished pet. I think it would comfort me (and my family) a lot. Thanks, Lauren

What does the meaning of Genesis 9:22, "saw his father's nakedness" mean? I saw a show in which it claims that it means "sleeping with your father's wife". The show referenced Lev 20:11 and 18:8. Is this true?

Me and my wife have attended classes in family purity and have learned alot. There is a question that we are too embarrased to ask. We know that the use of condoms is prohibited because of "zera levatala", but if my wife is pregnant already can we use condoms during the pregnancy? (why? to be honost, and heres the embarrasing part, my wife cant stand the mess!!!) Please let us know asap. Paul (Pinhas) please keep my question private shabbat shalom

"Kosher food purifies our soul, making it receptive to spirituality" How food can afect our spirtualirty? is this include Kosher,but unhealthy food?

I have recently decided to move in with my girlfriend. We are not married (obviously) but have been together for 3 years. We have moved in with a view to getting engaged in the near future. Last week, Lauren said to me that we are "living in sin" because we are not married or engaged to be, What it is the Jewish position on such matters? I thought "living in sin" was from the Christian faith? Please can you help. james

Last night, about seven-thirty in the evening, I was leaving a library in Union, New Jersey with another woman, and we both noticed that the full moon was red, quite beautiful, but odd-looking. It was then I realized that this must be a lunar eclipse (which I had not seen for a long time), since pollution would have made the moon look yellow, not red. I was then frustrated, because I did not remember which brachah I am to make on such a phenomenon. So I said the berachah, "oseh maaseh bereshis," without shem ve malchus. Did I do the right thing? I hope so. In any case, I am determined to rectify my ignorance on this matter. Thank you in advance. jaf

Dear Rabbi, Are there visions that have been seen by ordinary jews through the history. I am pazzled by a very powerful event that happened 14 years ago. Thank you so much for your time. Klara Kandel.