Name: Noah Galer	Date: 2009-10-05 21:08:56
Subject:running out of jews
Question: Dear Moshe, BTW I just found out that's my middle name! Noah Morris/Moshe Galer!" Anyway way I have a bad fear that the world is going to run out of Jews because the number is declining with Christians, Muslims, Asians outnumbering us everyday." Is this one of God's mistakes? Hope to hear from you. Thank You Shalom, Peace
Answer: The world cannot exist without Jews. Jerusalem can never be without Jews. Our souls hold up the entire world. Hang in there, Moshiach is on his way!

Name: Mike Sanders	Date: 2009-07-16 00:03:18
Subject:jews better?
Question: Hello. This is my first time here. I recently heard a lecture by an orthodox rabbi in which he said that Judaism believes that jews are inherently better than gentiles. Is this true?
Answer: Jews have a higher soul then gentiles. Within judaism, there are many types of soul roots. It all depends why you have been sent here and what you have to fix. It isn't about being BETTER, just about fixing yourself and the world. Jews have more they need to fix and give.

Name: Mutcha Yidle	Date: 2009-06-03 18:13:50
Subject:B'S'D
Question: B’S’D Shulum aleychem Reb Moshe By serving a TZADDIK who is himself bittle one gains HASHBA’AS bittle. uber tzo der tzadik siz nisht a medraygah siz nah, un siz du nur der, D’ein Sof HASHEM yisbarach ps Thank you for the simcha, you inspire me to at to attempt I’VDU ESS HASHEM B’SIMCHAH B’CHOLE YOM VA’LAYLAH ? How does one aviod sadness bnetween SHABBOSIM the yiridah seems to come when not in the BAIS MEDRISH------ you will not belive this, I have been looking to be mikayem a certain MITZVAH for about 2 or 3 years and as I write the above my rav calls me with this opportunity I guess we all need our HISHTADLUSS KOL TUV V'BRACHA
Answer: The only way is to bring shabbos into the week. Start shabbos earlier, end shabbos later. Make a meleva malka besimcha and not rushed. On wends/thusday buy something in honor of shabbos & plan for shabbos. On shabbos learn more torah so it holds you better through the week. Yes, i agree, we must serve tzaddikim to attain bittle.

Name: julian gregory	Date: 2009-03-14 15:21:47
Subject:2 dollar question
Question: what does one do when you have more trust in an enemy who wants to kill "for real" then your own family .
Answer: Trust is something that has to be earned. It also goes both ways. Sometimes you have to risk a broken heart and take a chance on trust just so that it is returned to you.

Name: julian gregory	Date: 2009-01-07 20:29:42
Subject:Finding a teacher
Question: Reb Moshe I finally found the truth "TORAH" I would like help in finding someone to teach me how to learn Torah.
Answer: Well just like everything. You have to pray very hard, even of many years and a decade just to find a holy master to guide u. But don't give up on this. The search comes with much reward.

Name: Sue Warmhold	Date: 2008-12-24 09:56:23
Subject:Prayers for Hanukkah
Question: What are the correct prayer lyrics said in English for the candle lighting?
Answer: 1. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light. 2. Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.

Name: jean king	Date: 2008-12-19 08:49:54
Subject:G-d?
Question: how can I get my grandchildren to be more jewish
Answer: There is a story that took place in the most religious section in Israel. Reb Shlomo saw a boy with extremely long sideburns so he asked him why they have to be so long. The boy responded, if I keep my side burns this long, my children will keep theirs long. Their children will sideburns. Then my great-grandchildren, I will be lucky they have at all. Everything is by example and do not underestimate the effect you have on them by displaying and speaking about your beliefs.

Name: bert calderon	Date: 2008-11-24 17:31:47
Subject:aliyah
Question: Dear Rabbi, Shalom, shalom. I am curious about what I hear about an AQmerican Jew getting help to take Eliyah to Israel. I was born Jewish, avraham ben yitzchak, in Chicago, Ill. i was bar mitzvahed at 13 yrs old. I have kept Kosher most of my life, had some problems in my later years. I am now 58 yrs old and am having troubles financially aqnd maintaining myself. I have some health difficulties and was told I can go to Israel any time as a Jew but am not sure of what is required, how long it takes, what life is like in Israel and what can be done there for my medical sustenance? I know this is a lot to ask in one mailing. Please help. Shalom, Bert
Answer: you can get help through an organization, nefesh b nefesh and the government but it is very hard to get disability acceptance in Israel. I know people think different but in reality, medical care is overrated and below that of the usa. Even though israel invents most of the technology, in practical ways, it isn't used efficiently. So you need to weigh your health concerns and their practicality here. You do get free medical care and prescriptions cost almost nothing. On the upside, if this is your dream, keep praying for it and it will happen. Just don't move here thinking it will be a cure all. To make aliyah, you have to be strong mentally and physically.

Name: Paul Chi[pkin	Date: 2008-08-04 17:31:17
Subject:
Question: Do we have special responsibilities, as Jews to serve in the Israel Army and other armed forces? Mustn’t we show a greater sense than just to look after our own? We must look to our PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for the planet’s survival! Or do we completely discard common sense in this most crucial area (while G-d weeps!)?
Answer: The Torah teaches us that a Jew fights with his lips first before ever raising his fists. We turn to Hashem for all of our troubles. Was King David trained when he thought off the great warrior? He was just a simple Shepard. Our kids belong in Yeshivos studying Torah and learning to become better people. For some, going to the army teaches them discipline and it can be a good direction but to say for all, I think for most it is destructive. Today, army life is about politics mostly and not about real defence and unfortunately, serving in even the Israeli army discorages ANY jewish practice and Jewish observance. This is a sad reality and US army life is horrible on raising a family. Children need a stable environment to grow up in and in the US army, they are constantly moving you around. As much as some bases have Jewish Chaplin's, many don't and observance can be impossible. Again, serving your country has lost its meaning. Wars are mostly won or lost based on political moves and the media. All that being said, In the last two weeks, I recommended to 3 people to join the israeli army, why would I do that if I am not zionist? Because every situation is not always black and white. One must always look deeper and understand the people you are advising.

Name: Alan Chapin	Date: 2008-07-29 21:06:31
Subject:Cremation
Question: Reb, Actually I have two questions..I know that Judaic law forbids cremation...part of that is the Holocaust...but it had to be law way before that...is there a reason?
Answer: It is the cornerstone of Judaism, that is reincarnation and the body must be buried in the ground for this to take place. It also interferes with the afterlife, being in the ground is very important.

Name: Netzah Brady	Date: 2008-05-04 21:14:04
Subject:
Question: I was wondering if the blue dye for the tzit-tzit absolutely has to come from those snails. Aren't they almost extinct? Would it be useless or futile for me to make my own tzit-tzit?
Answer: Yes, they have to be exactly as tradition specifies. Majority of poskim don't hold we have enough infomration about the blue die to use it today. Therefore, majority of people do not wear techeles. I personally don't as it is always better to go by the majority of poskim, Rabbis.

Name: Claudia Ruth Howell	Date: 2008-04-17 16:51:48
Subject:MY Jewish Name.....
Question: Hello, Reb Moshe, I am Noahide, but someone asked me my JEWISH NAME. My name is Claudia Ruth, so what is my Jewish Name? How do I get it? What does it mean to have a Jewish name? Thank YOU, Claudia Ruth
Answer: It is not neccesary to take upon yourself a Jewish name unless you convert to Judaism. Your name Claudia was a name destined for you and you should be proud of it. A persons name is not a simple thing.

Name: Deborah Corbett	Date: 2008-04-02 22:44:18
Subject:Jewish wisdom
Question: Hey Reb ! I was just wondering could you tell me a few Jewish wisdom quotes on dealing with death of a parent? Thanks so much.
Answer: Shalom, Well a person has to appreciate the greatness of leaving behind children to carry on the traditions of Judaism. Having bared children or even students of Torah, one never really passes away. For us children (who have lost a parent), we must seize this opportunity to do mitzvos in our parents name and continue their legacy through serving Hashem. We should realize the tremendous effect our mitzos have for their neshamos, souls in shamayim, the Heavens. Each year, their soul is re-evaluated and goes up to receive the reward their offspring does.

Name: Rina .	Date: 2007-11-23 08:24:00
Subject:small town girl
Question: I live in the small town of _____ in Nebraska. I am trying to follow Judaism but I am quite alone with it.
Answer: I contacted the chabad in your state and asked them to keep in contact with you. I am hoping this helps a little Thinking of you...

Name: menachem .	Date: 2007-11-19 04:22:50
Subject:learning advice
Question: i was in yeshiva one guy said to me if you get one book get 'crossing the narrow bridge' about rebbe nachmans teachings, it changed my life (speaking about himself). so i got the book the next day and it really has had such an amazing impact on my life. especially the hitbodetut has helped me grow so much and helped me build a relationship with Hashem.
Answer: hey, thanks for writing, I always read all emails, sometimes if they come while I am doing 2 things so I loose them after with all the spam. Yes that is a great book, now buy rebbe nachman's wisdom and a kitzer shulchan oruch.

Name: Marc .	Date: 2007-11-19 03:36:56
Subject:What should I study?
Question: I am Jewish, but was not raised in a very observant home, but have always felt very connected to my Jewish heritage. Luckily, my quest has influenced my parents as well, who are now seeking to gain more knowledge and become more observant as well. Over the past 2 years, I have been making a large effort to learn more about Torah on my own, but it has been difficulty. I am incredibly greatful that I have found website today and that it will be able to help me. I truly want to become more observant and I was hoping you could help me do so. I have been reading the book Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom and it has been incredibly touching for me. On your site, you say you want more friends and I would want you to be my friend in my own spiritual quest. If you could give me any help or direction in my quest, whether it be through recommending any specific texts or videos, I'd greatly appreciate it. I look forward to beginning a correspondance with you. Thank you so much for what you do. Respectfully, Marc
Answer: Hi, well there is so much to learn, i think you should find the things you enjoy the most and continue there. The code of Jewish law, kitzer shlulchan oruch is good daily. Reb M

Name: yochanan .	Date: 2007-11-18 00:57:33
Subject:guide me someone
Question: I'm having trouble finding someone to guide me in Judaism.
Answer: Everyone needs a Rebbe, someone to draw them close to Hashem. It isn't so easy to find such a person though. It may take years of searching and praying. Until you find that perfect Rebbe for you, you might need a temporary Friend and spiritual guide, a Reb Moshe.

Name: Basheva .	Date: 2007-11-17 19:47:20
Subject:no opportunity
Question: my mom was jewish but dad was not, my mom died when i was 5 years old and dad did not want me so i was sent to live with my maturnal grandparents who where jewish, but they died as well when I was in my teens so I raised myself pretty much and had little Jewish experiences.
Answer: Sounds like you have really had to fend for yourself all your life. Sometimes I think it is unfair that people simply never were in a place to have a true Jewish experience. I think everyone deserves this opportunity. I wish you could have one! Hmm, maybe I can help in this somehow.

Name: Noson .	Date: 2007-11-17 19:21:10
Subject:Studying Less
Question: I am very involved in business lately and I don't spend much time studying torah.
Answer: you have been enjoying the good life, cars, money, good position of leadership... but in a few years... it all looses its newness, then what? Nothing will ever satisfy you in a world full of money, fame that is devoid of Hashem.

Name: Cindy Strong	Date: 2007-11-14 23:07:25
Subject:Limited Sources
Question: Shalom! I would love to be your Jewish friend and i would love even more if you would help me out. You see i don't think i'm an 'official' Jew, i've just always aspired to find out more about the religious practices of Judaism but my resources are very limited and my parents are very small minded :(
Answer: okay, tell me your story from the start please friend

Name: Riley Hommie	Date: 2007-11-14 22:21:18
Subject:Half Jewish?
Question: HEY IM JEWISH LIKE A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN HAFE PROBELY LIKE 75% JEWISH SO YOUR HANGIN WITH A COOL JEWISH GANGSTER THAT HAS YO BACK IEGHT AND IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE WAY I SAY THINGS JUST ASK ME WHAT IT MEANS IEGHT YO HOMMIE ROMEO M RILEY IEGHT
Answer: I understand it all dog. Yu know aint nobody ever told me they be 75% a jewboy. You be the first. If ones mama is Jewish, den the Torah say ya be 100% a Jewboy. If ya father be jewish and mama not, then 0% a Jewboy. This is the word on the street. IEGHT THEN IM 100% JEW THEN MY BAD .WHERED YOU LEARN HOW TO TALK STREET COUSE THATS IMPRESSIVE DOG

Name: laya .	Date: 2007-11-14 15:01:27
Subject:
Question: i have never been religious, neither has my family. i was born into a non-practising jewish family. we uphold some of the traditions but not a whole lot. i mean, i dont think the jewish faith would smile upon a 20 year old unwed pregnant girl with tatts and peircings. Sure i have my own set of ideas as far as god is concerned. but i would like to know more about my heritage. even if it doesn't want to know about me.
Answer: of course it wants to know you, there is no such thing as a bad jew, all jews at their root, every person's main spark is good. It just is sometimes covered or stays hidden.