Why can't Jews touch elevators?

Jews don't inherently "can't touch elevators," but observant Jews refrain from pressing buttons on Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) because it involves using electricity, considered "work" or "igniting" a flame, a forbidden activity. To accommodate this, Shabbat elevators are installed in some buildings, stopping automatically at every floor without requiring anyone to push buttons, allowing observant Jews to use them.


When can't Jews touch electricity?

In Orthodox Judaism, using electrical devices on Shabbat is completely forbidden, as many believe that turning on an incandescent light bulb violates the Biblical prohibition against igniting a fire.

Why can't Jews push buttons on the Sabbath?

From sundown on Friday until the sun sets on Saturday, many observant Jews refrain from certain activities, including pushing elevator buttons, following a restriction that comes from a prohibition against creating sparks and fires.


Why can't Jews enter the Dome of the Rock?

On the other hand, all agree that it is forbidden to enter the Dome of the Rock itself or the middle of the Temple Mount because that is the area of the Court of the Israelites and/or of the Holy of Holies. Therefore, it is preferable not to enter the raised platform around the Dome of the Rock at all.

Why can't Jews tear toilet paper on Shabbat?

Jews can't rip toilet paper on Shabbat because it falls under the prohibited work of koreah (tearing) and mechatech (measured cutting), which are forbidden labors from the construction of the Tabernacle, making it a form of creative/constructive work, but Jewish law prioritizes human dignity (kavod habriyot) so lenient rulings allow tearing if necessary (no alternative) or using pre-torn pieces, as it's seen as a mundane act rather than true "building". 


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Can I brush my teeth on Shabbat?

Yes, you can brush your teeth on Shabbat, but with specific adjustments to avoid violating Shabbat prohibitions, generally by using a separate Shabbat toothbrush, avoiding regular toothpaste (using liquid or none), and being careful not to squeeze water or cause bleeding, with some lenient authorities permitting regular toothpaste if done carefully. The key is to avoid melachot (prohibited labors) like Memareiach (smoothing/smearing) or Sechitah (squeezing), with different streams of Jewish law (Halacha) offering varying leniencies.
 

Why can't you shower on Shabbat?

Rules About Bathing on Shabbat

According to traditional guidelines, using hot water for bathing is generally prohibited on Shabbat. This is because heating water typically involves igniting a flame or using electricity, both of which are forbidden.

Can Jews say "Oh my god"?

Yes, Jews can say "Oh my God," but many devout Jews avoid it, especially in casual speech, due to the Third Commandment "Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in vain," preferring to use euphemisms like "G-d," "Hashem," or "Oh my Gosh" to show reverence for God's holy names and avoid using them in a secular, thoughtless way. While some interpret the commandment strictly to forbid any casual use, others see it as a warning against false oaths or misrepresenting God, with "OMG" sometimes viewed as spontaneous prayer or expression, but still generally avoided by those who are very careful with God's name. 


Are Jews allowed to enter Saudi Arabia?

Yes, Jews can travel to and reside in Saudi Arabia, but public practice of Judaism is prohibited, and religious freedom is severely restricted as it's an Islamic theocracy where only Islam is openly permitted, though private, non-Muslim worship might be tolerated; while Israeli passport holders face bans, Jewish individuals from other nations, including American Jews, have visited, though they must exercise discretion. 

Can Jews pray in a mosque?

Yes, Jews are generally permitted to pray in a mosque under Jewish law, as both faiths are monotheistic and mosques lack the idolatrous imagery found in churches, making them acceptable spaces for private Jewish prayer, especially when a synagogue isn't available. While some stricter views exist, prominent authorities like Maimonides (Rambam) permitted it because Muslims worship the same God (Allah/Hashem), and mosques are considered free from idol worship. Jews must, however, be respectful, remove shoes if customary, and usually pray privately, not joining Muslim congregational prayers that include beliefs conflicting with Judaism, like Muhammad's prophethood. 

What are the 10 rules of Jews?

Respect your father and mother. You must not murder. You must not take someone else's husband or wife. You must not steal.


Can Jews use a fridge on Saturday?

Refrigerators and freezers can be left on throughout Shabbat without violating Jewish law. Electric lights and fans can be turned on before Shabbat begins, but must be left running. Many families turn on a hotplate or warming plate before Shabbat, so that food can be kept warm.

Can I flush a toilet on Shabbat?

Yes, flushing a standard toilet on Shabbat is generally permitted as it's a mechanical action not involving prohibited labor, and for human dignity (kavod ha'briyot) it's allowed, but you should avoid flushing toilets with automatic water-coloring disinfectant tablets or those with motion sensors that trigger lights. For coloring tablets, you should remove them before Shabbat; if you must, some permit it due to the delay (gramma) or incidental coloring, but it's best to avoid. 

Do Orthodox Jews use condoms?

Orthodox Judaism generally prohibits men from using condoms (or any male contraception) due to the commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" and the prohibition against "wasting seed" ( coitus interruptus, condoms). However, exceptions exist, especially for health reasons (like preventing disease or life-threatening pregnancy), often requiring rabbinic consultation, with female contraception (like the pill or IUD) generally preferred when allowed. 


Who has the closest DNA to the Jews?

The authors found that "the closest genetic neighbors to most Jewish groups were the Palestinians, Israeli Bedouins, and Druze in addition to the Southern Europeans".

What country is the safest for Jews?

"Hungary is undoubtedly one of the safest places for Jews," agrees Eran Berkowitz, Eastern Europe regional director for the Jewish Agency.

What are Arab Jews called?

Arab Jews are often called Mizrahi Jews, meaning "Eastern Jews," a broad term for Jewish communities from the Middle East and North Africa with deep roots in Arab lands, though some prefer to identify by their specific country (e.g., Iraqi Jew, Moroccan Jew) or use the wider, historically rooted term Musta'arabi Jews, referring to Arabic-speaking Jews before the Iberian expulsions. 


Do Jews say ya Allah?

Notes that “yalla” is part of Hebrew slang but confirms its Arabic origins, demonstrating how linguistic borrowing can lead to misattributions. #arabamerican #arab #palestine. Israeli slang words you need to know when you're in Israel. Ya Allah.

Can Jews say yhwh?

No, observant Jews do not say "Yahweh" (or "Jehovah") because the sacred four-letter name of God (YHWH, the Tetragrammaton) is considered too holy to pronounce, with its correct pronunciation lost; instead, they substitute it with "Adonai" (Lord) or "HaShem" (The Name) in prayer and speech. Using "Yahweh" is seen as a modern, uncertain reconstruction, not the traditional practice, and can be offensive as it violates a deep-seated reverence for God's holiness. 

Which prophet did Jews call the son of Allah?

Uzair (Arabic: عزير, ʿUzayr) is a figure who is mentioned in the Quran, Surah at-Tawbah, verse 9:30, which states that he was "revered by the Jews as the son of God". Uzair is most often identified with the biblical Ezra.


Can Jews wear tampons?

While there are probably smaller sub-communities that may frown on the use of tampons because of the antiquated idea that they compromise virginity, the vast majority of Jewish people with periods can use whatever period products feel best for them (phew!).

Can you wipe on Shabbat?

39 If the wipe can be used without Squeezing then it may be used on Shabbos. A baby wipe that is slightly moist and is gently dabbed onto the diaper area would be an example of the permissible use of a baby wipe on Shabbos.

Can Jews wear deodorant?

Deodorant merely masks smell and is not medicinal; therefore, it may be used on Shabbos. Stick deodorant should not be used due to the prohibition of smearing.