Morality, Ethics & Religion

We spend so much money, time and energy on synagogues, Jewish schools religious institutions. Wouldn't it be better if we applied all those resources to alleviating all the suffering in our world?

Is it better to keep Shabbat and eat only kosher but be unkind and dishonest, or to be a good person who is not as observant?

I think that G-d is for the weak and the needy. Don't you have the independence to get through life on your own?

Since all the wars of history were caused by religion, wouldn't the world be better off without it?

There are a number of ways of approaching the issue. Let us try a scientific approach

The murder of others, even if they are the oppressors, seemingly amounts to a glorification of war... Prayer, I am told, is an act of enlightenment. Am I to pray for the brutal demise of the enemy?

The Arab birth rate continues to outstrip the Jewish rate--and the government continues to discourage large families. How are we ever going to ensure that this place remains the Jewish homeland?

"Every single item in the general doctrine is denied, but the conclusions from the doctrine as a whole are retained. The result is a complete muddle in the scientific thought, in philosophic cosmology and in epistemology..."

How scrupulous is too scrupulous? At what point does religious observance start to become neurotic?

I am struggling with jealousy in many areas in my life and in my relationships. Any words of advice for me?

Have you ever done any carpentry or one of those Ikea do-it-yourself jobs? They always tell you not to tighten the bolts until the whole thing’s been put together.

I know that I can't reverse what I have done, but is there some way to alleviate my burden? Or must I resign myself to carrying the guilt with me all my life?

Should we combat it? Ignore it? Is it possible to do both?

Are good things G-dly or are G-dly things good? What would the Chassidic masters say of the Socrates- Euthyphro debate?

Should we clone people? Is there such a thing as a life not worth living? When is it correct to go to war? But the real question is: on what biases do we answer these ethical dilemmas?

Why do we have to "wipe out" Amalek and the Canaanites? Why administer capital punishment? Shouldn't G‑d's message be one of love?

Why does the Torah command us to annihilate the seven Canaanite nations? Why would G‑d put the everlasting guilt of wiping out entire communities upon any group of people, especially those he favors? If there were populations that were so evil, why wouldn't He take care of it Himself?

Isn't it un-Jewish to kill people? How would Judaism apply the law from the Ten Commandments, "You shall not kill" in modern Israel?

If Judaism requires us to be kind to animals, shouldn't we be vegetarians?

For better or for worse, meat is an undeniable favorite on the kosher menu. Is this good? Let's have a look...

From man I expect good and bad. From G-d I expected only good. Until I learned about the animal sacrifices. Apparently G-d actually wants them. Imagine, a place set aside for slaughter -- in a temple!

Don’t eat dairy together with meat. Don’t wear a mixture of wool and linen. Don’t turn on a light on Shabbat. Don’t gossip… Is this what religion is all about?

What does G-d want with sinners like me? What did He put such a louse of a creature here for? I just want to know: does He appreciate at all the effort I put into trying not to be what I am?

How can a person be forgiven if the effects of his or her crime still exist?

How do you know when you have been forgiven? Or does the guilt just go on and on?

"And Moses was exceedingly humble, more than any man on the face of the earth". Very nice compliment, but who wrote this verse? Moses himself! Is that called humility?

"I try to be open-minded spiritually. Why is it that religious Jews are so closed to the wisdom of other religions?"

I've got a few choices here in town of different styles and flavors of rabbis and congregations. How do I choose? Is there a simple test to determine who is fit to be my rabbi?

I'm not sure what exposure you have had to observant Jews, but judging by your question, it seems to have been from a distance...

I have nothing against religion, but could it be that religious Judaism is a cult? I bumped into an old classmate who has become totally religious. After speaking to her, I felt that she is brainwashed

Can I wear tzitzit if I drive on Shabbat?

When we find a teacher inspiring and compelling, when we are enthused by people who seem spiritual and pious, how can we be sure that they are not charismatic charlatans preying on our vulnerability for their own selfish gain?

My sister says that I am being "holier-than-thou" and my parents say that I am tearing the family apart. What can I do?

I am nauseated by the way the Jewish community honors rich people. Every corner of my synagogue has some plaque in the name of some major donor. If I'm not mistaken, the hand dryer in the men's room is in honor of the ____ family...

But we don't need to take an "all or nothing" approach. If restoring the relationship is impossible it is not always necessary to terminate all contact or become antagonistic...

Isn't it better to do less of the obligations but with a fuller heart, than to fulfill them with an unenthusiastic heart?

Rabbi Chaim of Sanz once went looking for an honest man in the marketplace

Jealousy cannot just be eradicated. It needs to be supplanted with a positive antidote...

My week is packed with work, family commitments, fitness, a little socializing and time to relax. I don't see where I can fit in spiritual activities. I don't want to burn out, do I?