I have heard some non-canonical stories about familiar characters from the Scriptures--Lilith in the garden of Eden, and a story of Abraham as a boy smashing the idols his father sold to the pagans....Are these stories collected anywhere? Since they are not part of the scriptures, how much "weight" do they have?

I grew up as a Reform Jew. I am now married to a man who used to be a member of the Lubavitch commuintiy. His children are still a big part of it. At the beginning of the month, my daughter was married on the beach in Florida. The rabbi was wondeful, a "Jewish renewal" type. The ceremony was on south beach and the reception was in the penthouse of a beautiful hotel overlooking the ocean. It was the best day of my life. The following weekend, my husband's daughter was married at 770 in crown heights, NY. I found the ceremony to be upsetting, unfomfortable and made me really question what these lubavitchers are, a cult? They can't be jewish, i am jewish and have nothing in common with them. Why do I find this movement so incredibly crazy? Who are these people? I simply cannot connect with them. It has caused me so much confusion and anamosoty. What do you think?

In the beginning of shemot it says all the names of the shevatim. why does it say it in the orfer of the mothers- leah, rachel, bilhha and zilpa? does this order mean anything and does it symbolize anything?

Thank You Rabbi ! Once again, a sweet new year for you and your family and friends ! You answered our question . My beautiful son Jason,who is now 7, had a Brit Milah in the Orthodox tradition. I am sorry to ask about the Muslims. I was just curious after reading something about them in the paper. We LOVE your internet site! Adam and Robin Jason,Samantha and Monica

Hello Rabbi and May the peace of God be with you. My question is as follows. Do the Archangels, Michael, Rapheal, Uriel, and Gabriel contact us here on earth or is that some kind of witch craft thought up by those who don't really understand the words and works of Elohiem? I have been getting letters by e-mail encourageing me to learn how to contact them and bring them to my aid in times of need. If it is true, then I would like to know how to contact them and what materials I can purchase to help me better understand the Archangels and the roles the have in our everyday lives. Better yet, could you give me some references in the Bible to tell what God Himself says about them. Thank You Shalom