We are all familiar with the foundations of the very wealthy. Bill and Melinda Gates, Andrew Carnegie, and many more have established wonderful organizations that do important philanthropic work throughout the world. And yet, sometimes I wonder if they understand what charity is all about. Judaism has a unique take on the importance of giving, that may be at odds with much of the rest of the world.

What does Judaism think about charity?

The staggering horror and magnitude of the destruction in Haiti must move all of us deeply. Israel and all other nations have sent rescue teams to save whatever lives can be saved. At times like these, the family of man shows its finest qualities. We pray for all those who suffer to be rescued and healed.

There are those, however, that are tempted to point their fingers at the Haitians and explain to us what sin they committed to bring this tragedy upon themselves. They seek to explain and justify God's ways by putting the blame on the victims of natural disasters.

Does Judaism agree with this approach?

Different nations in the world react differently to the Jewish claim to this title. Some applaud. Others hate. Still others claim the title for themselves. Evangelical Christians, among others, accept the Jewish claim and support the Jewish people in their fulfillment of this role. For centuries, though, the Catholic Church espoused "replacement theology," which claims that they are the so-called new Israel. And, of course, there were the Germans who believed in "the master race."

What is the difference between them, and why is Israel the chosen nation? What does Judaism think?

In the year 165 B.C.E., the Jews rebelled against the Syrian Greeks. They were also rebelling against the elites of the Jewish people, who had become Hellenized. This revolt was wildly successful, driving the Syrians out of Jerusalem in short order. Although battles were ongoing for more than 20 years, the Maccabean revolt lives on as one of the most glorious episodes of the second Temple period.

In the year 66 CE, the Jews rebelled against the Romans. It was a disaster. In 70, the temple was destroyed and the great exile began.

What was the difference between the two revolts? When should the Jews fight back, and when should they be passive? Or, should I say, how should they fight back or be passive?

Should Israel respond disproportionately to missiles from Gaza? Is collective punishment on a town valid after one of the townspeople committed a terrorist attack? Does deterrence justify causing harm to bystanders? These are theoretical questions. Israel does not target civilians, Israel makes every attempt to save those bystanders. The world press doesn't report this enough, and many good meaning people have swallowed the wrong information.

Nonetheless, the questions should be asked. What does Judaism think?

What makes a person's life complete? How do you define a perfect person? Is this something that we can actually achieve?

What does Judaism think?

Adam Lambert's recent escapades on the American Musical Awards program have dominated the news and raised a lot of controversy. It is very visible demonstration of his sexual orientation was rebroadcast in a blurred version on CBS. Many criticize that as being discriminating. The Torah is quite clear about the immorality of the homosexual practice, calling it an "abomination." Does that, in any way, affect the rights of homosexuals to be free from discrimination?

What does Judaism think?

Racism is a dirty word in the modern world. If you want to destroy someone's legitimacy, call them a racist. In America, some are quick to label opponents of the president as racists, simply because the president comes from a minority group. The word racist is the strongest weapon they feel they can use.

What does Judaism think about racism?

How do you teach your kids to honor their parents (you)? Actually, how do you teach your kids anything? Actually, how do you teach your kids the things that matter most?
In other words, how do you leave your kids a legacy?

What does Judaism think?

Sometimes a well-placed lie can get you out of a lot of trouble. More often, a lie can come back to bite you. Most of the time, we judge whether or not lying is appropriate by the chances of us getting caught, and how much damage it can do. Judaism has another perspective.

How do you respond when you have been slandered? It is frighteningly easy to attack someone's reputation and accuse them of anything. If they can't easily prove you wrong, other people may say it's their word against yours. Even if you are completely innocent, your reputation has been compromised. How should you respond?

What does Judaism think?

It is incredible, shocking, the treatment of Roman Polanski, the Oscar Award winning director who skipped bail on a rape sentence dating back 30 years. He drugged and raped a 13 year old back then. According to some French literati, the barbarian in this case is the US. The US is seen as prudish and puritanical, while not properly respecting Polanski's genius.

The Hollywood community has also rallied to his defense, with Whoopi Goldberg opining that he actually didn't commit "rape rape." They all think he should be freed, and it's small-minded to arrect him and put him in jail.

Well, what does Judaism think?

This is the question of Sukkot, the Festival of Happiness. It is the question of life, for we are all in pursuit of happiness. What is it, and how can it be attained?

What does Judaism think?

The Jewish day of atonement commences in a few hours. It is a once a year opportunity to achieve a clean spiritual slate. Even more, it is an opportunity to restore our sense of balance and perspective. How does one seize this opportunity? What does Judaism think?

Here are some practical ways to make Yom Kippur a day of great transformation.

Many times have I wondered about the order of these two holidays. Rosh Hashana deals with global dreams of peace in the Messianic era. Yom Kippur deals with forgiveness from sin. Shouldn't we deal with Yom Kippur first? Shouldn't we cleanse ourselves spiritually before reciting exalted verses such as "And grant that every living soul shall proclaim The Lord of Israel is King over all creation"?

What does Judaism think?