Question
It is recorded in Torah that Jews got stronger and stronger under the persecution of Pharao in Egypt. There are great influence of Jews to the Western society where persecution against Jews was very severe. While in China, where there was almost no persecution, Jews have had almost no impact to that civilization. This is so unique, because most of the nations tend to be prosperous when they are lived by the surround, and decline when they are persecuted. By contrast Jews get greater when there is persecution. Why is it so? Why are Jews more thriving when there is persecution?

Question
Shalom rabbi. I have noticed racism is a worldwide problem. Anti-Semitism is racism as I heard. I have faced racism also. Not only me, many people are facing problem for racism. When I and my friends comment in youtube, many racists attack us without any reason. I have noticed that most of the racism is expressed in facebook and youtube comments. When I began to ask them are you racist, then they tell me that no, "you are racist". That is like the matter a thief caught red-handed and telling the witness that I am not a thief, you are a thief! Does anti-Semitism come as a result of jealousy?

Question
I have heard before that Pharaoh died 50 days after the exodus. This would make the date of his death Shavuot and also the day the Torah was received at Sinai. Is that accurate? And what are the circumstances surrounding his death?

Question
How long did it take for the Israelites to travel from Goshen (Egypt) to Mount Sinai? I just read an article in my local Jewish newspaper. The writer states that the Israelites left Egypt and arrived at Mount Sinai 50 days later. Please explain where in the Torah dates are specified to corroborate his statement.

Question
In Birkat Kohanim, the first line has 3 words, the second line 5 words, and the last line 7 words. The steps the kohanim descended from the altar in the Temple were the same numbers. We know that those numbers add up to 15, the numerical equivalent of a Hebrew Divine name, Yod Hey. Centuries later, those numbers were repeated in the Tower of London of all places. What is the origin of these numbers?

Question
I wish I could make aliyah in order to fulfill the mitzvah of living in Israel. I very much love Israel. And I have visited often. But aliyah would mean moving far away from my family and friends and the community I know and everything else that is familiar to me. Is there any mitzvah in visiting Israel every several years if you don’t live there permanently?

Question
Where did the Jewish people obtain flour and wine (and oil and spices) for the avodah in the Mishkan?   Thank you!