Answers to Practical Questions ADVANCED SITE SEARCH: Click Here

QUESTION #1 : Are there other websites where I can learn about Noahism and the Seven Commandments for Righteous Gentiles? > Ask Noah ( we posted this one ourselves ) ANSWER : If you wish to expand your research to other web sites, first please note the following: As a matter of policy, the organization Ask Noah International (A.N.I.) does not give blanket recommendation of any other particular Noahide-oriented web site, individual or group, organization or ministry. Nor does A.N.I., by mention or listing of any other Noahide-oriented web site, individual or group, organization or ministry, imply A.N.I.'s blanket recommendation concerning their doctrines, teachings, discussions, postings or links. As required by Torah Law, we recommend and encourage all Gentiles and Jews to learn Torah subjects from reliable Torah-observant Noahides and Orthodox Jews, with reliable Orthodox Rabbinical guidance.

QUESTION #4(a) : What is the responsibility of a Noahide concerning charity? What are the appropriate actions concerning this? >J. D. ANSWER : The MINIMUM responsibility of a Noahide to give charity is that if someone approaches you for charity because he is in need of a basic necessity of life - i.e. to stay alive - you have an obligation to give him the money or food, for example, that he needs to survive at that time. So if someone comes to you who is starving, you are obligated to provide him with a meal. If someone comes to you who is seriously injured, you are obligated to help him get to a hospital. In the time of Abraham, the people of Sodom refused to do even this minimal amount, and that is one of sins for which they were destroyed by G-d. Beyond that, there is really no limit to the amount of charity that a Noahide can decide to give, but one's actions should of course be governed by what is intellectually proper. One should not impoverish oneself to give charity, because that would be placing the extra burden of one more poor person or family on society. A Jew on the other hand has a Torah commandment to give charity. A Jewish person of average generosity generally sets his goal at giving 10% of his income. An observant Noahide should avoid giving to charities that are run by groups from the false religions, especially those which missionize. It is commendable to give to observant Jewish charities. You can also give to non-affiliated or secular charities, and especially to funds that will actually be used to save people's lives. If you want to give to your government's armed forces, it would be very good to give to the army units that in recent decades have started providing help to the victims of "natural" disasters, such as famines, earthquakes or tidal waves. The Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that in this way you will be supporting the present fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah that in association with the coming of Moshiach, the nations will turn their swords into plowshares (i.e., military resources will be used for peaceful and helpful purposes). QUESTION #4(b) : What is the difference between tithes and charity? Are Noahides required to tithe? ANSWER : The Torah commandments for tithing are required for Jews who grow produce and livestock within the biblical Land of Israel, during times when the Holy Temple in Jerusalem is built and functioning, and the Jewish priests (kohanim, descended from Aaron) are purified to perform the Temple service (may this be reinstated speedily in our days through the Messianic Redemption!) In rememberance of this in modern times, a loose definition of "tithing" is to give 10% of one's income to charity. This form of "tithing" for charity is a well-established custom among observant Jews, and it is also practiced by many Gentiles (Noahides). Charity in general is an ongoing Torah commandment for Jews. Noahides are not required to tithe their income, but they can take it on as an aspect of their intellectual obligation to give charity, for the sake of the benefit it will bring to the society and to themselves. It is an excepted practice that Noahides give to charity at some level, since it is intellectually incumbent. Torah-faithful Noahides will make sure that their charity goes to a charitable cause which is proper according to Torah. See www.asknoah.org/HTML/righteous_tradition.html. QUESTION #4(c) : I want to share the blessings that G-d give me, by giving tzedaka [charity] to my local Orthodox shul [synogogue]. Can I also give cologne and chocolate to the Rabbi? >O. T. ANSWER : It is very generous of you to think of sending charity to the shul, and it is OK for you to do that. I suggest that you send it to the attention of the Rabbi, with a note explaining that it is from you, and why you were motivated to send it. On the other hand, your idea to send gifts to the Rabbi, such as cologne or chocolate, is not really appropriate. Most Rabbis are uncomfortable about receiving gifts. Giving charity is more appropriate and more appreciated, and you also earn the merit for doing the mitzvah.

QUESTION #6 : Do you have any of the flyers, brochures, cards or bumper stickers made up? Let me know. > N. M. ANSWER : Flyers can be downloaded and/or printed from the links on our OUTREACH WEBPAGE, which also gives the details for ordering AskNoah tri-fold brochures, business cards, labels, and BUMPER STICKERS. Thanks for your interest, and please keep us informed of your success in this important effort!

QUESTION #7 : Some groups cite Isaiah 65:11-12, "But you who have forsaken G-d, who have forgotten My holy mountain, who set a table for Gad, who fill a libation to Meni -," as showing that gambling is displeasing to G-d. Does this include the purchase of lotto tickets and/or raffle tickets, even if sold by charities for raising funds for the needy, etc.? Please can you give me the view as relating to the Children of Noah? > D. ANSWER : In the context of this section of Isaiah, the verse you cited are refers to idolatrous rituals. Gad and Meni are either names in Biblical Hebrew of false deities, the planets Jupiter and Mercury, or general names for the stars and constellations (Artscroll Tenach, Stone Edition, p. 1065). In regard to gambling: the person who wins at gambling along the lines of poker games, wagers on sporting events and horse races, etc., is boardering on or crossing the line of theft. Even though the losers choose to enter the game for whatever reason, they really don't want to give up their money. And they really do want to take the other person's money, even though the other person doesn't want that. So that type of gambling should not be done. (It is also recognized as a sign of low morality.) But it is OK to buy raffle tickets to support a proper ( ! ) charity (for example, charities that advance the condition of people in the world, but not charities that lead people astray after false religions). It is very common for proper charitable institutions to hold raffles for fundraising. The main intent of the person who buys a raffle ticket is on donating, regardless of whether or not he will win the raffle. And even if that is not the intent, the practical result is that he gave charity.

QUESTION #11 : I am learning the importance of doing work in the community as an essential part of my life as a Noahide. Do I now need to make inquiries as to whom and where I can go to be of any assistance in any way at all? > D. ANSWER : Yes, because the charities you support and volunteer for should not involve missionizing for a false religion. One of the main accomplishments which G-d desires from the Children of Noah is to work at "yishuv olam" - making the world a "settled place," where everyone is better able to meet their personal needs and concerns in an easy way, and in accordance with G-d's Will. The end result of this cooperation is that the world will more quickly become a proper place for G-d to reveal Himself and to dwell together with us openly in this physical world. And when the future Messianic Era (may it come immediately!) culminates in the everlasting World to Come, this will be even more than He was dwelling in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Hava on the first day of their creation!

QUESTION #16 : Would taking a sweater that been in our stock room for 2 months, and probably belonged to an associcate that quit, be considered theft? > A. B. ANSWER : The best thing would be for you or someone else to try to contact the probable owner of the sweater and return the item if it does belong to that person. If it's impossible to contact the owner, find out if there is a lost-and-found, and take it there in case the owner called in or will call in about the lost sweater. If there is no lost-and-found, contact whoever in the company the owner would call to try to retrieve the sweater, and discuss what should be done with it.

QUESTION #17 : Is reading at work (your recommended books) something G-d would frown upon? (It's very slow in my department.) > A. B. ANSWER : If you have free time on your hands, reading the books that are recommended for Noahides would be a good way to make good use of the time. Time is precious and you should try make the best use of it.

QUESTION #18(a) : Do Noahides celebrate Easter, Christmas, 4th of July, etc.? I am searching. There are not many books that can answer my questions. > K. QUESTION #18(b) : I read on the internet that the Noahides can celebrate Passover, not in the Jewish way, but with some changes. Is this true? And if it is, how can I celebrate it? > M. C. ANSWER : Please click here: NOAHIDES AND HOLIDAYS

COMMENT #21 : The 7 Commandments are primarily a moral code. Now a moral code is critically important. However, for many individuals there needs to be more; they need what is commonly rolled up in the term "religion." Worship, prayer, fellowship. Especially the last may be important for some people as a support for all the rest. However, I suppose that serious Noahide groups, with effective rabbinical guidance, are not yet plentiful. If there is no such group where one lives, acceptance and living of the 7 Commandments may be harder. > P. B. ANSWER : It has been said that all beginnings are difficult. To facilitate this movement, asknoah.org serves as a networking catalyst, to help individuals and families connect with legitimate Noahide groups or individuals, and/or with rabbinical advisors, in their geographic areas. And with the internet, networking and communicating on-line makes the entire world into a small neighborhood. It is notable that you distinguish between worship and prayer. Everyone is obligated to pray to G-d in a time of need, should it arise. Worship, on the other hand, implies a more formal liturgy through which a person sets aside time(s) each day to praise G-d, give Him thanks and present to Him one's requests. Most local Noahide groups who meet for worship have a liturgy which they use; asknoah.org welcomes requests from individuals who may be seeking advice about a liturgy for their personal daily prayers. Noahism is also enhanced by proper religious study. To this end, asknoah.org has assembled many web pages with wide-ranging topics, which are meant to be starting points for meaningful study. This includes recommendations for quality books and on-line resources. Finally, asknoah.org stresses the essential importance of action. This is manifested in working to refine one's own nature and strengthen one's faith, in working to increase in one's acts of goodness and kindness to others, and in becoming a partner in the effort to spread awareness of the Noahide Commandments and the Noahide Covenant.

QUESTION #22 : I often see the abbreviation BS"D at the top of Torah-related web pages or emails. I am not familiar with this. > P. B. ANSWER : If a piece of writing is intended to be kept for at least a short amount of time, there is a firmly established custum to start by writing an acknowledgement of Divine assistance at the top of the page, using a phrase or abbreviation in the language of your choice. BS"D is an abbreviation for the Aramaic phrase "B'Sayata Di'shamaya," which means "With the Help of Heaven."

QUESTION #23 : How can or should a Noahide wedding be conducted? > K. ANSWER : Please click here: NOAHIDE MARRIAGE

QUESTION #24 : How should Noahides be buried, and how should they mourn relatives/friends, G-d forbid? > K. ANSWER : Please click here: NOAHIDE MOURNING

QUESTION #25 : Are Noahites permitted to observe the Jewish mitzvot (commandments) regarding the Jewish Shabbath and Holy Days, tallit and mezuzah? If yes, which mitzvot are totally forbidden to them (I would guess the Passover lamb, for example)? > K. ANSWER : Please click here: GOING BEYOND

QUESTION #26(a) : How should Noahites celebrate the birth of children? > K. ANSWER : The birth of a child should definitely be a happy occasion for the parents, since the child is the physical testimony to their fulfillment of G-d's directive to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28) and to unite as "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24; i.e. the flesh of the mother and father becomes physically one within their child). It is incumbent on the parents to pray to G-d for a speedy and complete recovery for the mother after childbirth, and for the good health of their newborn child. Father-to-son descendants of Abraham and Keturah have an additional obligation of circumcision on their 8th day. NEW QUESTION #26(b) : Is it OK for a non-Jew to have a Bar Mitzvah? I've been told yes by some, and by others no it's not nessasary, because they are obligated to 7 laws from birth, so nothing changes when they turn 13. > C. ANSWER : The 13th birthday for a Gentile boy and the 12th birthday for a Gentile girl are significant, because as a general rule that is the time that they reach sufficient intellectual maturity to become personally responsible for keeping the 7 Noahide Commandments according to Torah Law. It is certainly OK for a Noahide boy or girl to mark this significant birthday with family and or friends, with a happy but serious emphasis on his/her new status of responsibility. But note that under no circumstances should a Noahide perform a public reading from a Torah (reading from the scroll in Hebrew and/or reciting the Jewish blessings for the Torah reading), which is the customary way for a Jewish boy to mark his "Bar Mitzvah" in a synagogue service. Sichos in English published an essay based on talks which the Rebbe gave about the importance of birthday celebrations for both Jews and Gentiles. We have edited this slightly to make it more clearly relevant to Gentiles (see text page BIRTHDAYS or listen to Audio).

QUESTION #30 : I've heard that for Gentiles the ethnic identity goes through the paternal line. But Jewishness is passed down through the mother. Doesn't this mean that even for Gentiles, the ethnic identity goes through the mother and the maternal line? > K. H. ANSWER : An excellent question! The essential "Gentileness" comes from the mother, but one's particular ethnic nationhood comes from the father. Before the original 70 Gentile nations of the world became intermingled, one's status as a member of a particular ethnic Gentile nation was passed down through the father. That is still the case, but because of the intermingling, there are only a very few of the original biblical peoples which can still be identified. There is also an aspect of patralineal heritage for the Jews as well. Although the essential Jewishness is passed down through the mother, a Jew's tribal membership is passed down through the father. (The 12 Jewish tribes, who were each assigned to a particular region within the Land of Israel, were descended from the 12 sons of Jacob.) Likewise, the Jewish priesthood - the family of Aaron, the first High Priest - is passed down through the father.

QUESTION #31 : Are Noachides required to love their neighbor as (much as) they love themselves? > M. D. ANSWER : The Torah commandment to which you are referring is found in the verse of Lev. 19:18: "You shall not take revenge and you shall not bear a grudge against the members of your people; you shall love your fellow as yourself - I am the L-rd." This is one of the 613 Commandments incumbent on the Jews, and it refers specifically to the required relationship between one Jew and another Jew. However, keep in mind that people of all nations elicit Divine mercy and protection through their acts of charity and good deeds. Therefore it is proper and meritorious for all people to be kind and charitable with each other, both financially and with other acts of goodness and kindess. This is also a way for every person to help in the process of bringing the Messianic Era, when "there will be neither famine nor war, envy or competition, for good will flow in abundance and all delights will be [as common] as dust; the occupation of the entire world will be solely to know G-d." [Maimonides, Laws of Kings, chap. 12]

QUESTION #33 : Are Noachides required to eat animal foods, or are they merely permitted to abstain and eat a vegetarian diet? > M. D. ANSWER : The following is quoted from chapter 10 of the book "The Path of the Righteous Gentile": Vegetarian practices ... are generally spurious, and at the very least, reflective of incomplete theology. Lest one think that vegetarianism reflects enlightenment, it is important to remember that the ancient Egyptians were religious vegetarians, yet idolaters and moral degenerates in the extreme. There are four general reasons why a man will likely be a vegetarian. If meat disgusts him, or if he feels that eating meat is unhealthy (particularly in the modern age of chemicals and growth hormones), or if he distrusts the appropriateness of current methods of slaughtering, a person has every right to be a vegetarian. But, if he claims that it is cruel to eat meat, or he is vainly attempting to hearken back to the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he denies the truth of G-d and places his own understanding of mercy above G-d's. Since G-d gave Noah and his descendants the right to eat meat, this right is Divine.

QUESTION #35 : I just saw an interview on TV of Madonna defining Kabbalah. On TV they said it predates organized religion, that it's very spiritual and scientific and it (as Madonna put it), has the order and key to the universe that shows you how to live your life to make the world a better place. Is this West-Coast Kabbalah? I was surprised that there was little talk of G-d. I would think that spiritualism is only good if the emphasis is on G-d's spirit instead of Man's spirit. > Susan ANSWER : The Pop-Culture "Kabbalah" that is in style these days should definitely be avoided by both Gentiles and Jews. For persons who are interested in learning about the spiritual realms in the light of Chassidic teachings, we recommend our United Noahide Academies course # 3, "Chassidic Insights on the Nature of Creation."

QUESTION #39 : I would very much like to know the Torah teaching regarding mediumship. It is my understanding that it is forbidden. I am asking because it turns out that a number of people on an on-line forum I belong to are practicing mediums. This does not sit well with me, and I will be leaving this list. But I would like to know more about the Torah teaching on this. > M. S. ANSWER : There are Torah prohibitions related to mediumship for both Gentiles and Jews, and they are very similar. The prohibitions for Gentiles are discussed within Chapter 11 of the section on The Prohibition of Idolatry in the book "The Divine Code," Volume 1, by Rabbi Moshe Weiner, p. 248: The general rule is that it is forbidden for one to do anything to make a dead person appear to him and answer his questions. Similarly, any "scientific investigations," séances and the like, which include communicating with spirits of the dead, are forbidden. The Torah-Law sources in Mishneh Torah and Shulchan Aruch are cited there.

QUESTION #41(a) : REGARDING THE SABBATH - I've always understood that the Sabbath observance was given in the Garden of Eden and it is incumbent upon all mankind to keep it, and that the commandment to remember the Sabbath refers to this earlier time. From what I understand, you believe that Noachides are not commanded to observe the Sabbath? > R. C. QUESTION #41(b) : The fourth commandment of the 10 Commandments for the Jews says the seventh day is the Sabbath. How do the Jews know the Sabbath is on Saturday? > F. L. ANSWER : Please click here: THE SEVENTH DAY

QUESTION #42 : Should a Noahide man wear a full beard and a kippah (head covering)? > R. C. ANSWER : A Noahide man does not have any religious obligations to wear a beard or a head covering. If he makes a decision to do so for his own personal spirituality, it's suggested that he should expressly state that he is doing this without the force of a vow. If he decides to wear a head covering, it is preferable that in public he wears a regular type of hat or cap, rather than a Jewish-style "kippah" (also called "skull cap" or "yarmulke," which means "fear of the King"), so that people will not mistakenly assume that he is Jewish. In general, for things that are not forbidden, you have to consider the individual's needs, personality, circumstances, etc. What might be the best way to go for one person could be an unadvisable way for another person. That's why a Noahide needs to have a mashpia - an observant Jewish or Noahide friend who he or she can go to for spiritual advice. In general, a Noahide who wants to become closer to G-d should first look to distancing himself or herself farther from the temptations or possibilities to transgress the Seven Commandments (with consideration of the mashpia's advice). On the other hand, positive enthusiasm should be encouraged and put into practical good deeds. But if somebody tries to do too much of an extra nature, or to take on too many extra restrictions, it could have a bad effect on the person spiritually instead of having a good effect; the person could become frustrated and unable feel joy and happiness in their service to G-d.

QUESTION #43(a) : What does the Torah teach about organ donation? Is there are any difference between Jews and Noahides? I was asked to sign an organ donation card, and I don't know if I should do that. > N. P. ANSWER : Please click here: NOAHIDE MOURNING and LIVING WILL QUESTION #43(b) : What is the thought (according to Torah Law) about donating blood? > B. B. ANSWER : Assuming that the donor and the donation system meet all the practical health requirements, the donation of blood by both Jews and Gentiles is allowed. Furthermore, it is encouraged as an act of kindness. (One may also accept payment for providing whole blood or blood plasma.)

QUESTION #44 : If Gentile half-brothers and half-sisters whose common parent of origin is their father are biblically permitted to marry, then why can't they legally marry in the U.S. -- or any other civilized nation within proximity? > S. B. ANSWER : From ancient times, the nations saw that G-d forbids this union for Jews, in the verse Leviticus 18:11, and they also saw the practical benefit that it would have for their own societies. This is an example of the general phenomenon in which Gentiles in many nations of the world have taken upon themselves aspects of some of the 613 Jewish commandments which happen to also be advantagous for practical reasons, according to human logic (even though as non-Jews they are not commanded that they must observe them).

QUESTION #45 : Do Noahides follow the entire Tenach or only a portion of the Holy Scriptures? > T. ANSWER : The entire Tenach (the Written Hebrew Bible = Torah, Prophets and Holy Writings) constitutes the Holy Scriptures for Noahides as well as for Jews. However, Noahides are not required to observe the Jewish commandments which are given in the Torah. They are only required to observe the seven Noahide commandments and several additional requirements which are relevant to them (see our web page RIGHTEOUS TRADITION). So the purposes for which a Noahide should study the Tenach include the following: (1) to learn about the seven Noahide commandments; (2) to gain more insight about how to keep the Noahide commandments, from the details of those Jewish commandments which have an overlap with them; and (3) for spiritual and moral inspiration.

QUESTION #46 : WHY DO YOU NOT SPELL OUT "G-O-D"? Something wrong with that? > David ANSWER : Please click here: WRITING DIVINE NAMES

QUESTION #47 : Is a Noahide permitted to join a secret fraternal society, or to take an oath of the nature that they take? > G. B. ANSWER : There would obviously be a problem with a Noahide joining, belonging to, or vowing allegiance to a society which espouses any creed that is not consistent with true Torah values. A Gentile who joins a society and then finds out that it is not appropriate for followers of the Noahide commandments and faith should have no hesitation to leave that society. Furthermore, vows which violate a Torah obligation are generally considered to be invalid. Surely the One Above will see and welcome the repentance in the person's heart. Specific questions can be referred to an observant Rabbinic authority.

QUESTION #50 : I want to learn Hebrew so I can understand the Hebrew Bible for myself. I don't trust translations. How do I start? > A. B. ANSWER : If your interest is in getting a better understanding of the Hebrew scriptures, a much more effective, quick and practical way to accomplish that would be to use editions from Orthodox Jewish publishing houses. Many are printed in both Hebrew and English, with traditional and reliable translations and basic commentaries. These can usually be obtained on-line from the publishers. We recommend the Artscroll Hebrew Bible (Stone Edition) - http://www.artscroll.com/Books/stgs.html For more advanced Noahide learning (under the guidance of a Rabbi or a mentor), a knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet can be useful: 1) To better understand the One Above, and thus to better establish one's faith in Him, one needs to understand how He brings the Heaven and Earth in being. This is through His "Divine Speech," which is His use of His creative powers which are represented by the Hebrew letters. Each letter represents a creative process, and the combinations of these forces into new patterns ("words" of Divine Speech) brings the heavenly and physical worlds and beings into existence, and at the same time conceals the "upper" realms and beings from those that are "lower." Since Chassidic discourses that explain this process use metaphors of Hebrew letters, it useful to learn these letters so you can better follow the explanations. See for example the audio series "Nothing Besides Him," by Rabbi Manis Friedman. Another important part of better understanding G-d is to learn the Chassidic discourses that explain the meaning and symbolism of His Divine Names, which are all in Hebrew. 2) The Noahide prohibition of blasphemy applies especially to improper use of G-d's Divine Hebrew Names, so it is important to know what they are and under what circumstances it is permissible to use them.

QUESTION #53 : Is there advice given on what would help a Noahide to avoid transgressing the commandment against idolatry? > D. G. ANSWER : To avoid idolatry, it is first of all very important to develop a mindset which is focused on the One True G-d. During your times of prayer and Torah study, you should actively meditate on how G-d is One and Unique, and that although He and His attributes transcend the capability of comprehension of any created being, He also invests his Permeating G-dliness within the created spiritual and physical realms and beings, to be the constant Source of their life and existence. (This is a matter that logic dictates, since the rule of logic that "nothing makes itself" brings one to recognize that Someone created the universe and runs everything within it.) One should also be familiar with the misunderstandings which can lead great numbers of people to fail to reject false notions which they don't recognize as idolatrous. It may be helpful for you to review from time to time our web page BIG MISTAKE. (Keep in mind that the sin of deifying the "stars and planets" applies also to deification of any angel, soul, or other created being or force in creation, as well as the ascribing of any type of multiplicity or physical form to G-d, Heaven forbid.) For the practical details of the definition of idolatry and how to serve G-d by avoiding idolatry in your daily life, you should be very familiar with the rules for Righteous Gentiles regarding both idolatry and blasphemy (since idolatrous doctrines can also be blasphemous). You'll find our on-line forum sections on the prohibitions of idolatry and blasphemy to be very helpful. Also see the codified details of these prohibitions in the book "The Divine Code," Volume 1, by Rabbi Moshe Weiner.

QUESTION #54 : How should a Gentile relate to Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year? > A. B. ANSWER : Here are 4 important lessons to learn from Rosh HaShana, the anniversary of G-d's creation of Adam and Hava ("Eve"): (1) We must never take anything for granted. Everything is a miraculous gift from G-d (including ourselves), and we must constantly thank G-d for constantly creating all we have. In fact the Baal Shem Tov had a custom of going around asking "How are you?" in order to open people's hearts and evoke from them a reply of "Thank G-d!" (2) Each person has a job to do in the world. Just as G-d put Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and keep it (Gen. 2:15), so each person has an obligation to improve and correct his or her surroundings, and through that the entire world. (3) It is impossible that anything can prevent us from doing this job according to the proper path of Torah (although it may seem that way at times), because the world is being created constantly by the same G-d Who gives the Torah. (4) We can learn that just as Adam was at first created alone and the whole world was his, so also each and every one of us has the power to change the entire world for good. [Credits to R. Tuvia Bolton, Jerusalem] On Rosh Hashana G-d makes a judgement on all His creations and decides what will befall them during the coming year. However, human beings uniquely are given the opportunity for repentance, so that harsh aspects (G-d forbid!) of the judgement on a person can be averted, and even turned into additional blessings. This can be achieved through repentance, prayers, and gifts to the needy. It is very appropriate that as much of one's free time as possible during the 2 days of Rosh Hashana should be spent saying prayers from the Book of Psalms. One should be humbled by the significance of these days, but at the same time they should be approached with a confident faith and trust in G-d, and joy in His closeness to those who desire and seek His closeness through His Torah of Truth.

QUESTION #61 : Was there ever a stated time at which preparations for Passover were to begin, for a Jew to get rid of the leaven from his household? Was there not once a requirment for this to be done 10 days in advance? > A. O. ANSWER : In the context of Passover, the true meaning of the word which is commonly translated as "leaven" is the Hebrew word "chometz," which means: whole grain, processed flour, or food which contains flour from any of the five special species (wheat, barley, oats, spelt or rye), which has come into contact with cold liquid for at least 18 minutes before it is fully cooked (or for less time if the liquid is warm). Non-chometz "matzah" for Passover use is made in less than 18 minutes by mixing flour with cold water and quickly baking it at very high temperature on an oven hearth (at which point the cooked flour is rendered no longer reactive with liquid). Matzah dough is usually rolled out thin so it will be cooked completely through and through in a very short time, in the extremely hot oven. The "10 days" which you are thinking of is rather the one-time commandment which the Children of Israel received before they left Egypt, for each family to obtain/designate a lamb or a goat kid, to be the Passover sacrifice which they later made and ate in their homes on the night of 10th Plague (the Passover). The animal had to be selected in advance and watched over for several days, to be sure that it did not have or develop a physical imperfection that would disqualify it as a Jewish sacrifice to G-d. (Once the Temple was built in Jerusalem, that site is forevermore the only place where Jews are allowed by Torah Law to offer Passover sacrifices.)

QUESTION #63 : I am a Noahide, and I am now living in fear because of the many unusually severe disasters that have been affecting the world recently, beginning with the horrific tsunami. I am wholly devoted to G-d, Torah and Israel, although I have never met a Jewish person to my knowledge. I learn in the Chassidic tradition, and I try to walk a path of humility, and service and kindness to others. It's painful to be so afraid - even more for my Noahide children than for myself. What should I do? ANSWER : Please keep in mind the verses, "Do not fear sudden terror, nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes" (Prov. 3:25), and "Indeed, the righteous will extol your Your Name; the upright will dwell in Your presence" (Psalms 140:14). You can conclude your prayers with these verses every day. Think good and it will be good - deal with the present in practical terms, and don't let your imagination or your speech about possible future personal or global disasters run wild. We learn this lesson from the error of Moses, who suffered a hardship as a result of becoming afraid (Ex. 2:14-15). Know that FAITH and TRUST in Hashem in the face of anything that happens are extremely special ways of serving Him, which can bring protective merit to you, regardless of whether or not you have repented for past transgressions of the Noahide Commandments (but repentance does help). In fact, you should anticipate revealed good in the very near future, since we are now witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecy to the Jewish People regarding the Final Redemption, "As in the days of your going out of Egypt, I will show you wonders" (Michah 7:15). I.e., wonders compared to the 10 Plagues and the Splitting of the Sea, by which G-d struck down the Egyptians and their idols for their cruelty and unbounded hatred of the Jews. Since the Jewish People and the hatred of them are scattered over the entire world, these wonderous events are occuring in many places around the globe. Futhermore, the physical Earth is convulsing, because it was created to hide G-dliness but now it is being commanded by G-d to start revealing the G-dliness of the Messianic Era. To the extent that you are able, you should continue to be involved in doing acts of goodness and kindness for others, since that is promised to be a personal shield against the Birthpangs of the Messiah, which are now occurring. In the words of the Rebbe, who prophetically foresaw and explained all of this, "Everything that occurs in the world, even the apparent bad, such as natural disasters, must ultimately have redeeming good."

QUESTION #64 : The inn I work at is sometimes patronized by secular Jewish couples. Most of them have asked me help them find restaurants in this town (none of which are kosher). Am I allowed to help them find such restaurants? ANSWER : Here are some things to consider as less worse alternatives: You can tell them how far away is the closest kosher restaurant. If they aren't willing to travel that far, it is thank G-d very common for regular grocery stores and supermarkets to have a kosher section. You can find out which one locally has the best kosher section, and present that to them as an option. In leiu of that, you can find out if there are any non-kosher vegetarian restaurants, which may present fewer transgressions of the Jewish dietary commandments.

QUESTION #69 : Can women wear a kipa? >S. ANSWER : It is seriously discouraged for Gentile or Jewish women to wear a kipa (Hebrew for yarmulke = skull cap), as it is a sign of religious rebeliousness. Only men and boys should wear a kipa. Unmarried women do not need a hair covering, and married Jewish women should use a covering over all of their natural hair (a scarf, a "snood", a wig, etc.) when they are out in public or in the presence of men other than their husband. Married Gentile women who wish to go in the path of righteousness and humility before G-d can also follow this practice, but they are not required to do so.

QUESTION #71 : Is it okay to give gifts other than "gelt" (money) for Hanukkah? And if so where did giving gifts during this festival originate from? What relevance does it have in the celebration? >A.M. ANSWER : It is not forbidden per se, but it is not recommended for Jews or Noahides. It was unfortunately copied due to perceived pressure from the prevailing custom of chr'stmas gifts in the chr'stian societies that Jews have been exiled in. It has no relevance to the traditional observance, and it distracts from appreciating the spiritual message of Hanukkah. But it helps Judaica stores to turn a profit at the end of the secular year. Note: it's important for Jews who do give "Hanukkah gifts" to observe their required restrictions on the one or two Shabbos days that always fall within the eight days of Hanukkah. Jews should be careful not to give or receive gifts on Shabbos, except for the purposes of Shabbos, since it is a legal transaction (transfer of ownership). If the presentation of a gift to a Jew anyway takes place on Shabbos, the recipient should have the intention not to acquire ownership of the gift until after the Shabbos is over. For Jewish children under the age of Bar or Bas Mitzvah, one could argue after the fact that their father or his wife, or one of their siblings, could halachically ("according to Torah Law") give them a gift on Shabbos because they are religious minors, and according to Torah law all their possessions really belong to their father anyway (but certainly the Jewish child would be learning a wrong message). Most certainly Jews must not give "gelt" (money) during Shabbos.

ADVANCED SITE SEARCH: Click Here Email your questions or comments to Home page: www.asknoah.org © '09 Ask Noah International