Rabbi Yerachmiel Fried Archives - Page 2 of 15 - Dallas Area Torah Association

Terrorism and the Loss of Jews

September 22, 2023 No Comments

Since the discovery of those precious, unfortunate souls I have felt so weak and empty; this whole thing just is so senseless to have three young boys murdered for nothing. Although it might not be so fair to say this (I can only express what I feel), I sort of feel like we were robbed by G-d to let us keep on praying for weeks when those poor boys were already dead and buried; what’s the point of praying for something that is already gone?! Why would G-d keep us all in suspense and mental torture just to keep praying for nothing?

Terrorism and Jewish Death

September 22, 2023 No Comments

The news has moved on to other matters and the recent tragic loss of the four rabbis in Israel doesn’t seem to be on the minds of so many; I think we’ve all become calloused and numb from so much killing. The three boys, the attack in a synagogue, terrorism all over Israel, Europe and America,those killed and maimed in all the bombing, ISIS beheadings, and the list goes on. I, personally, am still shaking over the fact that there was such a slaughter in a synagogue in our day and time that has the look and feeling of the way I’ve always thought about the time of pogroms and Nazi murders. I’ve been struggling to find something constructive to do about it and feel feeble to find anything that would avenge their deaths and perhaps provide some meaning for the future. Could you possibly offer some insight?

Prohibition of Leather Shoes During Shiva

September 22, 2023 No Comments

I recently sat shiva for my father, may he rest in peace, and was reading the laws of mourning. One thing that struck me was the instruction to refrain from wearing leather shoes. It offered no explanation, so I did it just because it says so, but it’s been bothering me ever since. What do leather shoes have to do with mourning? Why are other leather garments such as belts and jackets permitted?

Comfort after Shiva

September 22, 2023 No Comments

I just got up from sitting shiva for my mother, with whom I was very close. It was very difficult to stop sitting shiva; it felt like a connection. Now that the connection is gone, I feel very empty, and would like to know how I can find some connection and fulfillment.

Mother’s Day

September 22, 2023 No Comments

Is it Jewishly acceptable or advisable to celebrate Mother’s Day?

Monetary Compensation for Damages, Pt. 5

September 22, 2023 No Comments

My neighbor entrusted me with money to pay his bills while he was away for a couple of months in Israel. I neglected to pay his electric bill, which resulted in his having to pay late fees upon his return to Dallas. Does Jewish law require me to reimburse my neighbor for his late fees, since it’s my fault?

Monetary Compensation for Damages, Pt. 4

September 22, 2023 No Comments

I was driving the other day and went over a puddle which splashed muddy water onto a friend, who now has to clean his suit. I offered to pay him, and he said it’s all right; it wasn’t my fault because I didn’t know there was a puddle. I would still like to pay him if Jewish law says I should. Is there a law about this?

Monetary Compensation for Damages, Pt. 3

September 22, 2023 No Comments

I was walking down the sidewalk with my umbrella open in the rain and my neighbor went by with her umbrella and tore mine. Does she need to pay according to Jewish law?

Monetary Compensation for Damages, Pt. 2

September 21, 2023 No Comments

A passenger sitting in the back seat of my car, which I had just parked in the street to drop him off, opened his door into the street without looking into the path of an oncoming car. The door was knocked off and much damage was done to both cars. He claims I should have warned him, since I have a rear-view mirror and should have seen the oncoming car. I say I never told him to open the door and expected him to look first. Is my passenger obligated to pay the damages?

Monetary Compensation for Damages

September 21, 2023 No Comments

Recently my neighbor’s washing machine broke down late at night, and, knowing I am somewhat knowledgeable in such matters, he approached me to see if I could get it going. It seemed to me a minor problem that I could fix and I offered to do so as a favor. However, rather than fixing it, I wound up causing more extensive damage as I wasn’t so well versed in that brand of machine. I wonder if Jewish law requires me to pay for the damage I caused. Your prompt reply would be most appreciated.