- All the Questions
Cyrus the Great & the Jerusalem Wall of 2nd Temple
Question
a. In Ezra 9:9, the word for "wall" that is used is "gader". Does "gader" indicate that this wall was like a "fence", and therefore not a protective wall, or, "chomah"? Meaning that the Second Temple had no protective wall?
b. Also, if the humanitarian values of Cyrus the Great was the reason for the end of the Babylonian Exile, and the reason for the building of the Second Temple, then why are there no holidays celebrating him?
Answer
a. In fact, the fence mentioned there in Ezra refers to symbolically acquiring the land through working and constructing, but as of then, there was conspicuously no protective wall around Jerusalem (see also Nechemia 2, 17). That was until Nechemia constructed it (ibid, ch. 3), and then it was enlarged several times, afterwards.
b. Cyrus allowed and even encouraged the Jews to return to Israel and build the Second Temple, nevertheless, we believe that God, and not he, was the reason and the cause. We consider him, as all historic figures like Lord Balfour and Baron Rothschild, as messengers of God. They have deservedly gone down in history, and we thank/ed them profusely, but holidays are reserved for thanking God, who really runs the show, and enables those righteous to succeed in helping Israel succeed.

Hugging a woman without sexual connotations
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Kislev 15, 5784

Bracha on Kosher food in unkosher bowl
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 4, 5784

Judaism on Guns, Gun Control & Hunting
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Shema
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Kislev 13, 5784

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Birkat Hamazon - extra verses
Adar II 25, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

Davening if Hashem knows future
Adar II 25, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit 2
Adar I 23, 5771

Prayer before and after Tehillim
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 23, 5781

Jews and Santa Claus
Rabbi David Samson | 3 Shevat 5763

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

Livelihood Prayer for Women
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Kislev 6, 5784

Must I Delete Photos About Other Religions?
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Teshuvah between Individuals
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Kislev 10, 5784
