On the way to Rosh Hashana services today, I asked my 11 year old son how his prayers (with his father) the day before had gone. He said he was getting bored, so he started to read the stories below the prayers. He read about the one where the rabbi had his limbs amputated. I […]
I am regularly accused of being an apologist for the Orthodox community by those who have left observance and are angry, while simultaneously accused of being too negative by community insiders who don’t want to discuss the problems. I hope my analysis will not disappoint either group. I’ve always tried to approach issues with nuance, […]
Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers and is always observed on the first Monday of September. It began in the late 1800’s, when labor activists lobbied for a federal holiday to acknowledge the many contributions workers have made to America’s workforce. While media usually highlights the negative stories […]
The imagery of Elul, the month we recently entered, is often associated with a King. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi explains through a famous parable that the King, who is usually high up and away from His subjects (i.e. God) is, “in the field.” As in, He’s close to and among us, available for us […]
LinkedIn told me that today is my 15 year anniversary for starting JITC. This picture was taken right before I launched Jew in the City, so I’d have a new headshot. Apparently I started JITC almost exactly 6 years after I survived the Sbarro’s bombing which I barely think about. My husband and I just […]
Twenty-one years ago today, I was in Israel on a work trip and decided to meet a friend for lunch in Jerusalem. I had grown up with non-kosher Sbarro’s at home and going to Israel and eating the kosher versions of my favorite non-kosher foods from my youth was always fun. My friend and I […]
