Days of Creation

25/06/2010

The Torah describes the creation of the world in 6 days and G-d rested on the 7th. Can you suggest any sources to explain how this account correlates with the scientific evidence of the antiquity of the world? Also, is there any connection between the 6 days of creation and the fact that we are nearing the end of the 6th millennium (ie this is the year 5770) according to Jewish tradition?

Many thanks.

A Light Unto the Nations?

25/06/2010

Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have a question which has been bothering me for some time. The issue - with all the dreadful flotilla coverage - (and thanks for the Washington Post article which provided some small relief from it) is the question of the concept 'eisav soneh leyaakov': The ‘rule’ of human nature that Esav, representing the Nations of the World, will always hate Jacob = the Jewish People. Is this a kind of 'given' that we must accept, alongside the notion of being 'Or la-goyim' (a Light unto the Nations) which right now just feels so so far. Is it possible to be an Or Lagoyim if the Nations (necessarily) hate us without reason? And if so, how can it be achieved?
Many thanks,
Yehudit

Do you Sway When you Pray?

25/06/2010

Dear Rabbi Simon,
I am often on a train to see clients outside of London and can use the time for davening. There can be some difficulty with standing up on crowded trains, or even on quieter, less crowded ones where it may just look strange or not feel comfortable. Is it permitted to recite those prayers that should be said standing, while sitting? If so, how would one recite the Amida?

Darren

Halakhah at the Gym

25/06/2010

Dear Rabbi Simon,
I have recently joined the gym and wanted to ask a few basic halachos:
1. Is it permissible to not wear ones kippah when working out?
2. Are there any guidelines for shemirat enayim? For example if one is on a treadmill and a woman dressed in revealing or form-fitting exercise attire gets on the next treadmill along does one have to get off the treadmill?
Thanks,
Mark

Tzedakah, part II

25/06/2010

Dear Rabbi Simon,
A quick question please – does one need to give 10% charity on a cash present one receives, or is the 10% only calculated on earnings?

Many thanks,
Jeff