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05-18-2009, 01:53 PM
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#1 |
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Have My Own Room
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
What does it mean to you, to be a "good jew"? I consider myself a good person, but i'm not sure if i'm a "good jew" because I don't follow Kashrut, I eat things that i'm not "supposed" to, etc. I'm only a 3 day a year Jew sometimes.nI am Jewish, but don't know what the qualifications for a "good jew" are. I've had a bar mitzvah, and went to hebrew school growing up, and took yeshiva track. I also think no matter what the answer is, it could be interpreted subjectively, but i'd like your opinion.
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05-18-2009, 02:36 PM
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#2 | |
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Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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Grand concept for a thread Emjay and thanks to you Rebbe for your insightful replies. |
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05-18-2009, 04:35 PM
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#3 | |
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Rabbinic Consigliere
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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Firstly, Jews are not to judge other Jews. Only G-d Himself is to judge. That being said, the Torah, and specifically the mystical tradition of Kabbalah/Chassidus teach that every Jew is inherently good. If you could look into our "kishkes" - insides, in our soul, you would see that we inately want to do what is right, what HaShem wants. Even on a more external level, it is said that every Jew is filled with Mitzvahs, like a Pomegranate is filled with seeds. We are constantly doing good, fulfilling G-d's Will consciously or not. Going to shul etc. is all good, but there are those who do so and are not fulfilling their role in G-d's greater plan. They could be better. Along with those who do very little their entire life, but at one-moment fulfill the purpose of their entire existance. It is just up to us not to wait for this but to "chap arein" - take advantage and seize the moment to strive to be better Jews. With this in mind, we should constantly be striving to become better, self-actualized Jewish people and simultaneously helping others to attain this as well. Adding Mitzvos, observances, customs, learning more Torah, doing acts of goodness and kindness and contributing to the greater good. When people ask me point bland "What is a good Jew?", I am wont to answer - one who is better today than yesterday or at least strives to be better. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarification. Hatzlocha - Success in all of your endeavors!!
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Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!! |
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05-18-2009, 04:56 PM
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#5 | |
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Rabbinic Consigliere
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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The concept where "hell" might have been derived from is the existance of "Gehinom". Gehinom is where the soul goes after it leaves the body in order to clease it from any negativity attached to it through misdeeds etc. It's kinda like a spiritual washing machine. necessary, painful, but leaves you feeling oh, so good. The truly righteous can supercede this refinement, and "worst of the worst" can remain there for only as long as 11 months. After this sort of "purgatory"(I use the term loosely) the soul ascends to Gan Eden where it basks in the light of the G-d's Torah on what ever level the soul can receive it. Judaism in inherently different from other religions, in this regard, among others. The purpose is not to go to Heaven (or Hell), but rather the focal point of Torah is to make THIS WORLD better, and a dwelling place for G-d.
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Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!! |
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05-18-2009, 05:00 PM
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#6 |
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Rabbinic Consigliere
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
Whoa!! You guys are keeping your foot on the gas... some good, tough questions. Keep 'em coming.
But, how about some easier ones like "Whatcha smokin' Rabs?"  good stuff
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Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!! |
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05-18-2009, 06:26 PM
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#7 | |
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Back in the woodshop!
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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Whatcha Smokin Rab's?!  Seriously though, nice thread. I too have learned from it. (Lew, you are too much, but I already knew that!) |
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05-18-2009, 08:22 PM
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#8 | |
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Rabbinic Consigliere
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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Just went on a CC kick with a box-split of RASCC and H.Upmann Coronas Major - (cheaper stuff 'cause of my high Rabbi income  ) that are delicious. I am really impressed with both ROTT.I really, really love Illusione MK's right now. I also like NHC house blend londsdales. Last week, I had a Tat Cojonu 2009 that was great and a eo601 Mi Barrio that was nice, thick smoke. I want to get my hands on some more Esencia cigars, as I really liked the 2 I had a while ago. I am slowly growing away from Padron's and even many DPG's that taste very similiar. I am kind of really getting into specific cigars, rather that tasting what is new out there, as I have been a little disappointed and strapped for cash, but I always cycle back. I want to try some different CC marcas that I have never had SCdlH, Cuaba and some H.Upmann.
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Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!! |
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05-18-2009, 05:02 PM
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#9 |
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Uncle Kitty
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
Wow Rabbi, as a "Bad Catholic" I really hope there is no hell. Maybe there's hope for me after all.
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"You stink like cigars Uncle Kitty!" Said my Boo age 3. "Kid, take care of your family and the hell with anyone else" My Grandpa Bubba. |
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05-18-2009, 05:04 PM
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Rabbinic Consigliere
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Re: Ask The Rabbi!!
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quote: The Seven Laws of Noah demonstrate that almighty G-d has rules and laws for all human beings ...and that G-d loves us all. He does not leave anyone, Jew or non-Jew without guidance. To the non-Jew He has given the Seven Commandments. Maimonides states "Whoever among the Nations fulfills the Seven Commandments to serve God belongs to the Righteous among the Nations, and has his share in the World to Come.".
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Cigar Asylum Minyan///Corona Gorda Comparison Thread Do Acts of Goodness and Kindness!! |
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