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Kosher ‘Frankenfoods’? GMOs in Halacha (Sources) Original price was: $75.00.$39.00Current price is: $39.00.
Scientific advances have unlocked some of the ‘source code’ of living organisms, where by splicing genes from, say, arctic salmon into strawberries, or mice into chickens, we can produce strains of plants and animals which grow better, are more resilient, and are more beneficial economically or otherwise.
While discussion abounds regarding the long-term health effects of these developments, what is the Torah’s view on such manipulation? Do the ethos of kilayim preclude meddling in G-d’s domain? Or does the command to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Bereshis 1:28) provide the ethical mandate to do just that?
What are the Halachic ramifications? Is the act of implanting the gene –in flora or fauna- a violation of kilayim? What is the kosher status of the resulting hybrids? Does the status of the donor carryover to the recipient? What if the transferred genes affect the presence of the traditional kosher signs? (a tuna with no scales, a shark with scales)? Is an Esrog which has been thus modified considered a Murkav, disqualifying it from use for the Mitzvah?
Is there a spiritual effect? Do the characteristics of those animals which the Torah deems negative carry over into the new creature? Would consuming this (otherwise Kosher) creature bring spiritual coarseness (timtum halev)?
A collection of Tshuvos and articles in Hebrew and English.
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Women’s Rights and Religious Ritual – Part I $39.00
The notion of equality and egalitarianism calls for equal representation of all people in all areas of life. Yet the Torah explicitly exempts women from a number of mitzvah obligations, many of which are highly visible in the synagogue and community setting.
Part I-Understanding the Exemption: Does this exemption apply only to those mitzvos whose fulfillment is restricted to particular times? Does the unique calling of a Jewish woman impact the scope of her mitzvah obligations?
Is there any substance to the claim ascribing this dispensation to the woman’s “higher level of holiness”? Is this sourced in traditional Torah scholarship?
See also Part II-Mystery of The Mitzvos
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Prosperity of the Wicked (Sources) $39.00
“Why do the wicked prosper?” (Jeremiah12:1) This question has troubled the faithful from the times of Job and Jeremiah until today. Ought our faith in an unknowable G-d be weakened when witnessing the prosperity of the wicked? A smorgasbord of classic approaches.
(Hebrew)
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Gefilte Fish $0.00
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History of Hakafot (Sources) $39.00
One of our most festive Holidays, an all-out celebration of the Torah, has neither Scriptural nor Talmudic basis.
These sources trace the development of this custom as well as many others related to Simchas Torah:
The yearly schedule for completing the reading of the Torah, the ensuing celebration and unique liturgy read on this occasion, the custom of dancing and circling the Bima seven times, other celebratory expressions such as marching with candles, torches and much more.Also includes a collection of anecdotes regarding the importance of experiencing joy during this event.
(Hebrew)
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Playing with Folly (Sources) $39.00
In addition to the Prohoibition against Gambling, observant Jews seem to have an aversion to the standard deck of playing cards.
What could be wrong with an innocent game of Solitaire?
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Poultry and Milk – History $39.00
“Do not cook a kid in its mother’s milk.”
Traditional Kosher cooking avoids all forms of meat and milk combinations, including poultry.
What is the origin of this prohibition and when did it begin?
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The Rainbow Effect (Sources) Original price was: $39.00.$25.00Current price is: $25.00.
We recite a special blessing upon seeing a rainbow, thanking G-d for upholding His covenant with Noach. But isn't a rainbow just a natural phenomenon, a function of light refracting off of moisture?
Is there significance to the colors of the rainbow?
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Is Your Caffeine Kosher? (Part I) $75.00
For some, only a serious serving of Cappucino or Esspresso can pack in a much needed energy boost for the day.
With 11,962 Starbucks locations throughout the United States, the prospect of buying coffee from your local coffee shop raises some important halachic questions.
- Part I:
Does a coffee prepared by a non-Jewish barista involve an issue of Bishul Aku”m? May one drink inside the coffee shop, or only to-go? What was the Arizal‘s unique take on the subject? Also: what is the proper Bracha on coffee beans?(Hebrew)
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Moshe’s Unmarked Grave (Sources) $39.00
Jews have always cherished the land of Israel, and yearned to be buried there upon their passing. They also seek to have their grave marked honorably, so as to enable loved ones to visit and pray. Yet Moshe Rabbeinu merited none of these, buried in “the Valley of Moab,” where “no person knows the place of his burial unto this day”.
Why was he assigned this fate? Does this somehow reflect his life’s unparalleled accomplishments?(Hebrew)
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Responsible Governance $39.00
It is the duty of our public servants to act in our best interests. What happens when they err? If a government official implements a bad decision, erroneously or maliciously, can he or she be held responsible for the results, be they financial or criminal?
In the Torah’s view, is a public servant or government entity held accountable?In stock
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Amazon Prime and Amira Le’Nochri $75.00
The mandate to rest on Shabbos also precludes having work done for us by gentiles, under specific conditions.
May one send Priority, Express or 2nd Day Mail on Friday? What about ordering through Amazon Prime?
What may one say (or dictate) when scheduling shipping without violating Shabbos by proxy?
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Spontaneous Generation Original price was: $75.00.$25.00Current price is: $25.00.
The Talmud refers to various creatures that grow spontaneously (asexually) – a phenomena roundly rejected by modern biology. What are some of the approaches that have been put forward to reconcile between the two and what bearing do they have the practical Halachah? Did the Rebbe espouse a unique approach to this?
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Praying in Unison – Kedusha during the Silent Amida $39.00
Joining the congregation in their recital of kedusha is important on many levels. But what should one do if he is still reciting the silent Amida? Or just about to begin? When a worshiper’s private Amida collides with the recital of Kedusha by the congregation, what is the appropriate response?
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סוד עניית אמן. פרק ב $39.00
אמן׳ – מלה בת שלושה אותיות בלבד הטומנת בתוכה פנינים ומרגליות גם מתורת הנסתר והקבלה. מאמר המשך זה – פרק שני – בגדולתה של עניית אמן סוקר את סוד פעולת הברכה בעולם הספירות ועד המשכתה למטה על ידי עניית אמן. גדול העונה
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תפלה על קברי צדיקים. א Original price was: $75.00.$25.00Current price is: $25.00.
מאז ומעולם, היוו קברי אבותינו וצדיקי עליון ע״ה מקום לעתירה, תפלה ובקשה. אלא שמנהג קדוש זה היווה בד בבד גם מקור לתמיהה – מנא לן הא מילתא? האומנם אין היהודי אמור להתפלל אל הקדוש ברוך הוא, ולו יתברך בלבד? האם אין בזה משום איסור ׳דורש אל המתים׳? זאת ועוד: בקשותיו של אדם על קברו של צדיק – האם מהוות הן הפרעה למנוחתם או נחת רוח לנשמתם הטהורה? סקירה מקיפה ממשנתם של גדולי ישראל בנידון תפלה על קברי צדיקים.
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