Morality, Ethics & Religion

We spend so much money, time and energy on synagogues, Jewish schools religious institutions. Wouldn't it be better if we applied all those resources to alleviating all the suffering in our world?

Is it better to keep Shabbat and eat only kosher but be unkind and dishonest, or to be a good person who is not as observant?

I think that G-d is for the weak and the needy. Don't you have the independence to get through life on your own?

Since all the wars of history were caused by religion, wouldn't the world be better off without it?

There are a number of ways of approaching the issue. Let us try a scientific approach

"Every single item in the general doctrine is denied, but the conclusions from the doctrine as a whole are retained. The result is a complete muddle in the scientific thought, in philosophic cosmology and in epistemology..."

I am struggling with jealousy in many areas in my life and in my relationships. Any words of advice for me?

Have you ever done any carpentry or one of those Ikea do-it-yourself jobs? They always tell you not to tighten the bolts until the whole thing’s been put together.

I know that I can't reverse what I have done, but is there some way to alleviate my burden? Or must I resign myself to carrying the guilt with me all my life?

Should we combat it? Ignore it? Is it possible to do both?

Are good things G-dly or are G-dly things good? What would the Chassidic masters say of the Socrates- Euthyphro debate?

Should we clone people? Is there such a thing as a life not worth living? When is it correct to go to war? But the real question is: on what biases do we answer these ethical dilemmas?

Don’t eat dairy together with meat. Don’t wear a mixture of wool and linen. Don’t turn on a light on Shabbat. Don’t gossip… Is this what religion is all about?

What does G-d want with sinners like me? What did He put such a louse of a creature here for? I just want to know: does He appreciate at all the effort I put into trying not to be what I am?

How can a person be forgiven if the effects of his or her crime still exist?

How do you know when you have been forgiven? Or does the guilt just go on and on?

If Judaism requires us to be kind to animals, shouldn't we be vegetarians?

From man I expect good and bad. From G-d I expected only good. Until I learned about the animal sacrifices. Apparently G-d actually wants them. Imagine, a place set aside for slaughter -- in a temple!

One question that came up: how would Judaism apply the law from the Ten Commandments, "You shall not kill" in modern Israel?

Why do we have to "wipe out" Amalek and the Canaanites? Why administer capital punishment? Shouldn't G‑d's message be one of love?