Worshiping statues? Nature? Ascribing power to a person or thing other than G-d?
What's your definition of idolatry? How do you prevent it?

After hearing about the recent tornadoes, was wondering if anyone has emergency preparedness kits for things that could happen in your area?
I live in an area where such things don't occur, most likely thing to have happen is either a fire or perhaps an unusual winter of snow. I keep a couple
of bottles of water in the basement, along with a small camp stove and a bottle of propane. And I have matches and candles. That's it. I don't tend to 
keep much food in the house.

Have you thought about what you would need during and emergency, the type of emergency, and have you started an emergency kit?

This happens to involve a Christian woman, but what do you think about employers being forced to accommodate the religious needs of their employees? I have an issue with it, especially if the person took the job knowing that they were required to work on Sunday/Saturday. Also, $21 million in punitive damages seems just a bit extreme.

https://www.ebony.com/news/christian-fir...n-lawsuit/

An interesting article about the regrets people have about how they have lived their lives, once they are nearing the end of it.
Much of the regrets are what you would expect.
Do you have anything different?

For me, instead of being regretful for not keeping track of friends, it would be losing track of family members. We are spread all over and it was easy to have happen.
I also would regret not traveling, something I am currently trying to remedy. I want to see how others in the world live, and to see the natural beauty and historical creations
of man before I pass on.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/study-rev...aff-lilpar&veh=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_net.mediapartner_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&trk=aff_src.aff-lilpar_c.partners_pkw.10078_net.mediapartner_plc.Skimbit%20Ltd._pcrid.449670_learning&irgwc=1

I was listening to Dennis Prager's  "Happiness Hour" today and he contends that rituals make you happy. I didn't get to hear his discussion, and he wasn't necessarily referring to Jewish rituals and he mentioned several American rituals that are disappearing.

So, do rituals make one happy? I could see that by following them one feels part of a community and accepted, which could lead to happiness.
By following religious rituals, one feels connected to G-d and that can bring happiness.
But is there anything past that? Do rituals, whether secular or religious, bring happiness?

A few of us have been interested in starting a study group using Dennis Prager's Rational Bible series. 
There are two books, the first was Exodus and the new one is Genesis. If you are interested in this, would you prefer to start with Genesis or would you rather start with the first book of the series, Exodus? Only reason I am asking is that since Exodus has been out for awhile it's probably possible to find used copies at reasonable prices.

It's Independence Day in Israel.

חג שמח!!

Hi members:

I have thought long and hard how to ask the questions I would like to ask, while being careful to be very respectful of everyone's beliefs. 

I am a Christian, something that I believe I was always be. I also have a very keen interest in Jewish beliefs especially since Christianity has a Jewish foundation although I respect the fact that Jewish beliefs do not allow Jesus as the messiah. And I am sorry if at any time I do not use the right wording- as I may not be acquainted with specific terminology used here. 

As part of my beliefs, I have been re-reading the Hebrew Bible which we, as you probably know, we refer to as The Old Testament. I'm not saying this for any other purpose than to just state a fact.

What struck me as I made my way through Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus is the abundance of animal sacrifice and burnt offerings. With all due respect (and please understand that what I am about to ask, also causes an issue for Christianity as well), these practices struck me more as a man made thing than  of a God directed set of instructions/directions.

I know that may sound terrible to some,. and it sounds terrible to me as well, but this has troubled me.

I am wondering if anyone can explain how we can think of this issue. Do we just accept it as recounted. Is it wrong to wonder what that is all about and how a burnt offering aroma can be pleasing to the Lord?

Please understand, I am not raising this issue in any adverse form whatsoever. My beliefs are taking a bit of a hit, and I am just reaching out for wisdom or opinions. This is the first time I have had he courage to ask this and I ask it in all sincerity. .

Thank-you for your time, understanding and expertise.

WS

Just curious for those of you who attend shul, is your congregation growing, shrinking, or staying about the same?
The Chabad shul I attend on occasion has been stagnant for years, very little growth other than all the kids the chabadniks have.
The other Orthodox congregation I attend on occasion has been growing a lot, it needs a much bigger space and is currently fund raising to enlarge the building.
Most of the growth is coming from younger families moving into the area.
I don't keep up with the other congregations in town, so am not sure what is up with the Reform and Conservative end of things.

Just curious how many times people run into missionaries, and especially those who target Jews. There was a big push a few years ago in our area, with DVD's concerning "completed" Jews which were left on the door step of homes with mezuzahs, but I haven't seen much since then.