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Dear Rabbi, Are there forces or circumstances in the world that make a person a certain way, without the person being really responsible for options and results throughout life? For example, might a thief be innocent because of “the stars,” or fate or destiny? Thank you!

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I had a series of dreams that were graphically disturbing. In the past I have looked up the meaning of a few of my dreams. They are usually spot on. This recent dream, after research, is saying that I will die soon. In searching for a confirmation or answer, I found a rabbi that said that in Judaism they don't believe in dreams anymore. Is this true? If it is true, it could be quite damaging to my attitude and I think I would need further help taking it all in.

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My question relates to the paradox of free will and divine providence, and I'm really struggling with it in my life, and desperately seeking an answer that can adequately philosophically provide me with a resolution. Why take action towards any particular endeavour if whatever any outcome turns out to be in actuality is completely and thoroughly without question the best of all fathomable possibilities, regardless of the inaction or action taken?

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Hello I have a friend who believes that a messenger from the Prophet Elijah is among us today; They give reasons from the Bible. Since you are familiar with the Tanach, I ask you to answer the following text so that I can have an answer. If it is possible for you, write a detailed answer. “The messenger of Elijah the Prophet, Ahmed Alhasen has emerged! The very "BRANCH" that originates from Jesse through rod (cf. Isaiah 11:1). The one who comes from "BASRA" (ref. Isaiah 63:1) and his nickname, ISREAL, is mentioned in the book of Isaiah (ref. Isaiah 49:3). The very servant upon whom the Spirit of God is placed (ref. Isaiah 42:1). The very "stone" that the king of Babylon (Iraq) saw in his vision and will come to Iraq in the end times (Daniel 2:31-45). The very "stone" that is located in the house of the Lord, on the corner (Psalms 118:19-26) i.e. the Black Stone (Al-Ḥajaru al-Aswad ) which is located on the corner of Kaaba and is known as the Iraqi Corner, and it refers to the coming of the Savior and Redeemer from Iraq. The very one who will lift up the banner (Isaiah 5:26).” With blessings

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Hi, I am writing an assignment on different Jewish perspectives regarding reproductive cloning for my study of religion class and just had a few questions. What are some Jewish views on reproductive cloning? Are the views different in orthodox and reform on reproductive cloning? What scriptures and core beliefs mainly inform these views? Thank you!

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Is it a requirement according to Halacha to wear masks in public these days? The reality I see is that most people, including most Orthodox Jews, don’t wear masks in crowded places like retail stores and the synagogue. Trouble is, the failure to wear a mask poses a risk that one might spread COVID to another person, and then there is a chance that the person who catches COVID could die? And of course it is forbidden to put another’s life at risk. Even if the person one catches COVID from does not die, they could spread it to another person who might die. What is the role of Halacha in mask usage?

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A couple in our community is in the process of a bitter divorce. I have known them for many years and really like both of them. I have only seen good in them until now. Now each one is saying bad things about the other, all without proof, just word against word, with the expectation of being believed. I cannot tell what is true and what is not, but because their statements contradict, I know some of them are lies. People who know them are taking sides as they embark on a heated custody battle that could take months or years to resolve. How do the laws of lashon hara apply to this situation? What may I believe and what should I ignore?

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My father is Jewish from birth, but my mother had a reformed conversation. I was raised as a Jew, going to temple every Shabbat and to Hebrew school. I have always considered myself a Jew. Only after I grew up did I learn the truth that I am not officially a Jew because the conversion my mother had is invalid. I very badly want an Orthodox conversion as soon as possible. I spent a lot of time around Orthodox Jews growing up and I already know how to practice Orthodox Judaism. But I have some questions. 1.) Do I get a head start in the conversion process, such as in the amount of time it takes? Or are the rules exactly the same for me and all other prospective converts? 2.) I had a bris when I was 8 days. Does this bris count? Or do I have to be circumcised again?

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Dear Rabbi, I have been pondering for sometime now, and no amount of convincing will change my mind. I want to be a Jew. But I am uncircumcised, and all the online advice for Jewish male converts regarding circumcision are for those who already have been circumcised. The very least I could learn would be what it would cost to get a mohel who operates on adults. As I have very little money and need to plan this in advance, to make sure I could save the money. Or if perhaps I could take it into my own hands and circumcise myself, like Avraham did.   Sorry if this question is a simple, or has already been answered. But I really would like some advice.   Thank you, A future Jew