Ask the Reform Rabbi: Jewish Beliefs and Laws
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser provides answers to questions about the Jewish beliefs and laws as provided in the Torah (Hebrew Bible), Talmud, other Jewish texts and rabbis.
Judaism teaches that God created the world. Who created God?
Judaism teaches that God created the world. Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked who created God?
Judaism teaches that God created the world. Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked who created God?
How big an offense is a tattoo in Reform Judaism?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked what his opinion on Jews today getting tattoos.
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked what his opinion on Jews today getting tattoos.
Ask the Reform Rabbi - Will I be denied burial in a Jewish cemetery if I get a tattoo?
Am I allowed by Jewish law to get a tattoo? If I get a tattoo, can I still be buried in a Jewish cemetery?
Am I allowed by Jewish law to get a tattoo? If I get a tattoo, can I still be buried in a Jewish cemetery?
Should my Reform rabbi wear a yarmulke?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked whether Reform rabbis should wear a yarmulke (kippah) or other head covering during Jewish prayer services in synagogue (temple)?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked whether Reform rabbis should wear a yarmulke (kippah) or other head covering during Jewish prayer services in synagogue (temple)?
Do Reform rabbis believe in God?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser answers these two questions. Do Reform rabbis believe in God? What is the difference between Reform Judaism and secular humanism?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser answers these two questions. Do Reform rabbis believe in God? What is the difference between Reform Judaism and secular humanism?
Can I serve kosher and non-kosher food at the same table?
Is it is okay to serve kosher and non-kosher food at the same table on Thanksgiving provided the food and dishes are clearly marked? One of our guests is a rabbi, and I don't want to do the wrong thing. Some of the non-observant guests that are coming might bring non-kosher foods even if I request otherwise.
Is it is okay to serve kosher and non-kosher food at the same table on Thanksgiving provided the food and dishes are clearly marked? One of our guests is a rabbi, and I don't want to do the wrong thing. Some of the non-observant guests that are coming might bring non-kosher foods even if I request otherwise.
Does G-d suffer from the actions of man?
Do Jews believe that G-d suffers from man's actions? I know the Isaiah quote regarding "In all their affliction he was afflicted" but does that mean that G-d suffers or that G-d is aware or empathetic of the suffering of his people? Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser answers.
Do Jews believe that G-d suffers from man's actions? I know the Isaiah quote regarding "In all their affliction he was afflicted" but does that mean that G-d suffers or that G-d is aware or empathetic of the suffering of his people? Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser answers.
Can Jews eat in Chinese restaurants with statues of Buddha?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked if Jews can eat in Chinese restaurants with statues of Buddha?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasser is asked if Jews can eat in Chinese restaurants with statues of Buddha?
Is Kohanim status inherited from the father only?
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser is asked if Judaism's move toward egalitarianism has affected Judaism's observance of male-line inheritance of Kohanim status.
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser is asked if Judaism's move toward egalitarianism has affected Judaism's observance of male-line inheritance of Kohanim status.
How does Judaism define Fear of God?
The Lord asked the Israelites (Hebrews) to fear Him. Fear as in being incapacitated or running away screaming would take them away from God. Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Goldwasser explains Judaism's definition of fear of God.
The Lord asked the Israelites (Hebrews) to fear Him. Fear as in being incapacitated or running away screaming would take them away from God. Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Goldwasser explains Judaism's definition of fear of God.
Does Judaism support the idea of a person being reincarnated as an animal?
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasswer answers a question about whether Judaism supports the idea of a person being reincarnated as an animal. He is asked if someone's cat could possibly be the reincarnation of her father.
Rabbi Jeffrey Goldwasswer answers a question about whether Judaism supports the idea of a person being reincarnated as an animal. He is asked if someone's cat could possibly be the reincarnation of her father.
Is the Rabbi or are the Community Elders the final authority in a synagogue?
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser gives advice to a Jewish community that has experienced conflict concerning whether the rabbi should not be the final authority.
Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser gives advice to a Jewish community that has experienced conflict concerning whether the rabbi should not be the final authority.
Why do some Jews spell God, "G-d"?
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser explains why some Jews spell God, "G-d."
Reform Rabbi Jeffrey W. Goldwasser explains why some Jews spell God, "G-d."