Hi, Is it possible for you NOT to publish this question on your website? It makes me more comfortable to ask. Thanks. I am a frum person(ultra orthodox) from a frum community. Lately I am consumed with doubts. Doubts about the coming of moshiach, or about yiddishkeit in general. I also find myself jealous of those who are less restricted with tznius, or mixing with the opposite sexes. These are my constant thoughts: " There are communities that are much more lenient with these type of things so why would I want to follow the more restricted ones, do I get more Schar if I do, How can I prove it? Why if we have the same torah can they have mixed seating and us seperate seating. Or why is one dress code way more strict than others? Is there a schar for abiding to the more strict rules.. Is there anything you recommend to strengthen my Emunah and also my pride in yiddishkeit?? Thanks so much. I am so looking forward to your response. Respectfully, Renee

Dear Rabbi,Thank you for your response. By any chance is the Hazukari and/or other books you mentioned to be found at the Etz Chaim downtown Philadelphia, near where I am staying at the Hilton, that I could come and read some on Sunday or Monday?I am very interested in the devotion to the Word that you mentioned Prophets have but Daniel didn't. It was not just the ability to predict the future that made them prophets? I suppose alot of people write to you again like this, hooked on their interest in the subject matter under discussion. And I don't know how you feel about it. But if you could just let me know if there is a library at Etz Chaim and if ok to read there?Thanks Much

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

Is there any rule regarding usage of liquid soap in a kosher enviroment?

Hi, Thank you for offering this service. I have one or two questions: In the arrangement of the Tenach, the book of Daniel is not grouped with the other prophets. Why is this? Is it true that in the Hebrew language each female noun has a male counterpart that it represents the progenitor of? (i.e. - melachah, melak; adamah, adam, etc) Also is there any evidence that the Hebrew language came into being all at once, rather than being built slowly by scribes? (ok, three questions!) Thank you for any help with these. I look forward to hearing from you. Would rather not my name published. Shabbat shalom, Laura