12 step programs to treat addictions sometimes push what I experience as a Christian framework. I have been particularly troubled because in my group (Food Addicts) we are instructed to pray on our knees as a sign of surrender to the addiction and a 'higher power.' Many of my Jewish. The program saves lives, I don't want to lose my sponsor." but I feel strongly that I want a Jewish identity and relationship with God. Prayer on my knees seems like assimlation. Can you shed light on this controversy.

dear rabbi, i am a christian with a very high regard for the jewish faith.i cannot understand the differance.if i am correctly your teachings are of only the old testament whereas christians follow the old and new or am i confused? i also cannot understand anti semitism in particular by christians wasn not jesus a jewish man? can you please tell me the differance between our faiths and explain why some people seem to think there is such a divide between the two respectfully submitted and thank you. jack seiler

Att: Rabbi R Lauffer On Nov 27, 2005, at 5:27 PM, Just Ask! wrote: On 27-Nov-05 Mark Goldberg submitted the following question to asktherabbi.org Dear Rabbi, Thank you for your prompt replies and suggestions. You wrote to me thus: ...I suggest that you try to obtain a copy of the Mishna Torah in English so that you can study it at your leisure. The third volume is Hilchot Avodat Kochavim and it can be purchased through: http://www.milechai.com/product/mishnehT.html and they will be happy to ship it to your address. Another recommendation is that you contact the office at Gateways: http://www.gatewaysonline.com or office@gatewaysonline.com to make inquiries about seminars and classes in your area where you will have the opportunity to ask all of your questions and to receive answers from qualified scholars who are experts in this subject The onlyt complaint I have, and you have redeemed your collieague in this regard with you attention and promptness, is that I have attended Gateways seminars, and did in fact email Rabbi Becher this same question. His reply, even though I mentioned that I had attended his lectures, and bought his Talmud and other CD's, was that he didn't want to bother getting involved with internet jew hatred, which I mentioned was the reason I was asking the question. And it bothered me, that he wouldn't take the time to give me the translation and or book cites as you did- so- I do attest to your redeeming hiis not showing me the courtesy of a reply. This bothered me, his reaction, but then that is so common, and you, is rather a rather more generous and open suggestion and helpfulness than I've received from 'authorities' in any such matters. So I offer my thanks for your helping me answer my question and directing towards source material. Regards Mark Goldberg Dear Mark Goldberg: I am happy to have been able to assist you and I am truly sorry that you had an unfortunate experience. I hope that it will not stop you from attending seminars in the future and to continue your quest to grow in Torah knowledge. Best regards, Rabbi Reuven Lauffer ----------------------------------------------------- Shalom Rabbi Lauffer, This is a copy of your reply to me back in November. I just wanted to mention that I did in fact obtain a copy of both volume two and three, Kochavim and Melochim, and both are of course capable of providing the context and the precision regarding the idolators to which the Rambam was referring and upon I could rely upon for a scholarly reference for the distorted passage that concerned me. I did enjoy a weekend at the Somerset Marriot this weekend with my wife and children, and of course the lecture selections were fulfilling and even inspiring. I did get a chance to ask Rabbi Becher the question, and although he was quite busy lecturing, and other duties, he did manage a bit of time to give an overview of the passage, so my complaint has to be withdrawn, as such :^) I am one who as an outsider as such, does wish the internet had one real english translation of the Talmud rather than just the ever present jew hating distortions of this vast work, which is susceptible to distortion. There are those, who rather wish to be given an opportunity to learn the real story, and unfortunately, there isn't even one such complete english translation. I think it would be of immense value, and I mentioned this to Rabbi Becher. Perhaps one day..... I don't recall your name from the other time I spent a Gateways Weekend, and I remembered your kindly response and suggestions above to me, and was hoping to meet you and say thanks at the seminar. However, as you were not there I will have to say thank you once again.... and a Happy Chanukah to you and Yours. Mark Goldberg Aberdeen, NJ

Att: Rabbi R Lauffer On Nov 27, 2005, at 5:27 PM, Just Ask! wrote: On 27-Nov-05 Mark Goldberg submitted the following question to asktherabbi.org Dear Rabbi, Thank you for your prompt replies and suggestions. You wrote to me thus: ...I suggest that you try to obtain a copy of the Mishna Torah in English so that you can study it at your leisure. The third volume is Hilchot Avodat Kochavim and it can be purchased through: http://www.milechai.com/product/mishnehT.html and they will be happy to ship it to your address. Another recommendation is that you contact the office at Gateways: http://www.gatewaysonline.com or office@gatewaysonline.com to make inquiries about seminars and classes in your area where you will have the opportunity to ask all of your questions and to receive answers from qualified scholars who are experts in this subject The onlyt complaint I have, and you have redeemed your collieague in this regard with you attention and promptness, is that I have attended Gateways seminars, and did in fact email Rabbi Becher this same question. His reply, even though I mentioned that I had attended his lectures, and bought his Talmud and other CD's, was that he didn't want to bother getting involved with internet jew hatred, which I mentioned was the reason I was asking the question. And it bothered me, that he wouldn't take the time to give me the translation and or book cites as you did- so- I do attest to your redeeming hiis not showing me the courtesy of a reply. This bothered me, his reaction, but then that is so common, and you, is rather a rather more generous and open suggestion and helpfulness than I've received from 'authorities' in any such matters. So I offer my thanks for your helping me answer my question and directing towards source material. Regards Mark Goldberg Dear Mark Goldberg: I am happy to have been able to assist you and I am truly sorry that you had an unfortunate experience. I hope that it will not stop you from attending seminars in the future and to continue your quest to grow in Torah knowledge. Best regards, Rabbi Reuven Lauffer ----------------------------------------------------- Shalom Rabbi Lauffer, This is a copy of your reply to me back in November. I just wanted to mention that I did in fact obtain a copy of both volume two and three, Kochavim and Melochim, and both are of course capable of providing the context and the precision regarding the idolators to which the Rambam was referring and upon I could rely upon for a scholarly reference for the distorted passage that concerned me. I did enjoy a weekend at the Somerset Marriot this weekend with my wife and children, and of course the lecture selections were fulfilling and even inspiring. I did get a chance to ask Rabbi Becher the question, and although he was quite busy lecturing, and other duties, he did manage a bit of time to give an overview of the passage, so my complaint has to be withdrawn, as such :^) I am one who as an outsider as such, does wish the internet had one real english translation of the Talmud rather than just the ever present jew hating distortions of this vast work, which is susceptible to distortion. There are those, who rather wish to be given an opportunity to learn the real story, and unfortunately, there isn't even one such complete english translation. I think it would be of immense value, and I mentioned this to Rabbi Becher. Perhaps one day..... I don't recall your name from the other time I spent a Gateways Weekend, and I remembered your kindly response and suggestions above to me, and was hoping to meet you and say thanks at the seminar. However, as you were not there I will have to say thank you once again.... and a Happy Chanukah to you and Yours. Mark Goldberg Aberdeen, NJ

With bone china containing 50% bone ash made from burnt animal bones, are all plates etc made from bone china non-kosher? or does the fact they have been heated to such extreme temperatures negate the ingredients?