Shmuel Kogan

I've been told that each one of us has a specific, individual mission in life. How do I know what mine is?

Question: I was born Jewish; both my mother and father are Jewish. But when I was a teenager I rebelled and I went and was baptized in a Catholic Church. Am I still Jewish? And do I need to convert back to Judaism? Answer: Can one ever extinguish the flam...

Question: It says in the Torah that one should not touch the carcasses of swine. Does this mean that we should not wear Hush Puppy shoes (made of pigskin) or play football or rugby with a ball made of pig skin? Answer: In short, there is no prohibition ag...

Question: Why is it so important that we learn about mitzvot that have no bearing on our life any more; e.g. all the provisions for sacrificing animals—although we have not sacrificed animals since the destruction of the Temple? Answer: That is an excelle...

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?

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. May it be an everlasting edifice built on the foundations of Torah and mitzvot. The union between husband and wife is truly one of holiness inasmuch as it resembles the union between G‑d and His people. Thus, your...

Shmuel Question: Lately I've been thinking that Life after Death is a fairy tale created by man to give people hope that once we die, consciousness continues to exist (it's a frightening thought to think otherwise). My gut tells me that the brain and body...

Why should a Jew need to incorporate symbols and rituals from the outside to add beauty to his home and traditions? There is so much depth and meaning in the rich heritage of Judaism...

Shmuel I assume that your question comes from the understanding that living in this world, most jobs or responsibilities require us to report to someone in one way or another. The banker reports to his bank manager, the mailman reports to the postmaster, ...

You are correct in your observation that you will be limited as to what you will be able to do on your own on Yom Kippur. The Torah can only be read from a scroll when there are ten men...