G‑d and Us

...or are we supposed to simply accept that everything He send our way is for the good

With all the tragedy and suffering in the world, how am I supposed to believe? I would like to feel faith, but it doesn't come...

The Bible (Genesis 1:26) states that man was created in “G‑d's image.” What does this mean?

Why does a One G‑d need more than one name?

If the core of my being is a "spark of G‑d," then where is the me in me? Is this idea that I have of myself as an "individual" a lie?

The world seemingly runs by rules of cause and effect and laws of nature. If so, how does G‑d get His "foot in the door" in this world. Does He override cause and effect and the laws of nature?

Doesn't G‑d already know what we're going to say?

I can’t help but wonder why a person like me, who loves Judaism, was born a gentile. Why wasn’t my soul worthy enough to be born into the Jewish nation?

Rabbi, you say that we’re supposed to be good without anticipating rewards. What do you mean? Isn't there the concept of heaven, and rewards, in Judaism?

I recently read of someone who does palm reading to figure out people’s character traits, as well as to see hints about their future. Am I permitted to consult with him and get my palm read?

I have a lot of challenges in my life. What should I remember to help me cope?

If G‑d cares so much about the human race, why do we struggle so hard just in order to survive?

I don't understand. Why do the good die young? I have lost a friend who was the best person I know. And I can think of plenty of not-so-good people who are living it up. Where is the justice? Can you make any sense of this upside down world?

What is Judaism's take on miracles?

I’ve been feeling hypocritical lately for doing things that are Jewish once in a while, when there are so many “all-the-time” traditions that I don’t keep. I feel like I would be “taking advantage” of the once-a-year traditions . . . Therefore, I just don’t do any.

On the one hand, I can see gratitude as a sign of faith, as it means that we acknowledge the involvement of G‑d in our lives. But is faith required in order to be a grateful person? Don’t all decent people say “please” and “thank you”?

This question is from my nine-year-old daughter. I started answering and realized I was not talking on her level. Can you help? "Why would a supposedly good, just and loving G-d allow so much suffering in the world?"

I have been duly chiding myself, ever-reminding myself that my accomplishments are only possible by G‑d’s good grace, and, if so, why should I feel any more accomplished than the guy next door?

If a person loses a court case, or things seem to be going poorly for him, is that any indication that G‑d is displeased with the individual?

This topic has been intensely debated throughout the ages without any sign of abatement, you may be in for a very long journey. After all, it seems like every couple of months publishers bless us with a yet another new book on the subject...

Here's my problem: It says you have to love G‑d with all your heart. That leaves no room to love people. Doesn't the love of G‑d lessen our love of humanity?

I would like to better understand, how is it that we are promised love and redemption and all kinds of good things according to the prayers and the Torah, but terrible things happen to people I consider good and righteous?

We know that G‑d is the most perfect Being, and that everything exists solely because of Him. So could He make any mistakes?

Does G‑d pick on some people? I think He is picking on me, because I have suffered one loss after another for much of my life.

If the foundation for G‑d’s forgiveness and atonement was initially the sacrifice on the altar, how does one now find forgiveness and atonement, since the Temple and physical sacrifices no longer exist?

How can G-d be in the Holy Temple, where do mitzvahs, where we learn Torah, everywhere, and nowhere all at once?

I have a problem with organized religion. It tells us to light candles, go to shul, eat this, don’t eat that, etc., etc. What sort of G‑d demands these things from us? Surely we can find our own path to G‑d without being told exactly what to do.

If He is supposed to be everywhere, why is He nowhere to be seen? My logic says, if you are nowhere, you don't exist . . .

You see a ray of light from the sun shining in through your window. "Where did you come from?" you ask. It answers, of course, that it came from the sun. So you ask it, "Let me see what you look like as you are in your source within the sun..."

Rabbis don’t like answering this question. Not because they can’t. Because of the risk.

Everything is love. Even fear is love.

Zac, I know you are a very good boy, but have you ever been naughty?

The smooth and easy times may be pleasant, but the riches of life come when things take hard work.

Literally “blessed be G‑d,” it is used by Jewish people in everyday conversation as a way of expressing gratitude to G‑d for whatever we have.

In case you're feeling overwhelmed, here's a hand to hold and a little guidance.

Think of an observant lifestyle as an art form. Keep it natural.

Keeping your head, your heart, and your feet all on the same road.

This name possesses a power that can be easily misappropriated. 

Throughout the Bible, the L‑rd is instructing the people to “call His name.” Why don’t the Jewish people obey Him and “call and praise His name” instead of beating around the bush?