Daily Life

Dear Rabbi, something bad happened to me and I was upset. My friend told me that I was “overreacting” and “being irrational” – which made me even more upset! What right does she have to judge me? Does the Torah address this issue of judging another’s feelings? Thanks.

Dear Rabbi, My mother was born Jewish, which I understand makes me Jewish as well. I’m recently forced under the threat of being sent for unpaid leave and consequently loss of job to take the Covid vaccine. The job is a well paying job, very hard to replace, and I have a family including three children that I have to take care of. I have also quite a few financial obligations, including a large mortgage etc. Yet, I have already survived Covid and have natural immunity, which is far better than the immunity acquired through vaccines, as confirmed by substantial body of evidence, including large-scale studies conducted in Israel. The vaccines bring a substantial risk of negative to health side effects. In view of those facts, it seems to me in my limited understanding that taking the vaccine would be contrary to G-d’ s will, as I would put my life in danger for no good reason. I should mention that I have medical conditions which make taking the vaccines more of a hazard to my well-being. My physician said that the risk of the vaccine is nevertheless low, and in view of the position taken by the medical society she cannot help me get a medical exemption. Thus, my question to you is should I agree to take the vaccines or not? The matter is argent and of great importance. I would greatly appreciate your response and advice which will be helpful in making the final decision. Thank you in advance. Best regards, C. F. (true name and email redacted for privacy)

We are not allowed to place ourselves in danger. Are we allowed to live alone?

Decades ago I read a Jewish scripture that meticulously listed the possible causes, or contributors, of sin, two of which were stipulated and enumerated, among others, as: lack of sleep too much travel among, as I say, other causes or contributors. Do you know which scripture this might have been? I would be grateful to be reminded because I can't for the life of me, recall which book it was. Thank you, kindly, Robert

Dear Rabbi, how can we stop telling lies?

Dear Rabbi, can you please suggest best Hebrew grammar book so I can easily understand nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, etc?