Dear Jew in the City, What is the difference between guilt, regret, and feeling like a bad Jew? For example, I didn’t fast on the 10th of Tevet when I didn’t feel well, so I feel like a bad Jew. Sincerely, Shaindy Dear Shaindy, Thanks for your question. It’s one I’ve had a lot of […]

Dear Jew in the City, I saw on My Unorthodox Life that a man is allowed to beat his wife according to Torah law. Is that true? Sincerely, Nechama Dear Nechama, Oh, boy. Here’s we go again. First of all, as I have had more occasion to say over the past few months than one […]

Dear Jew in the City, Is it a problem to give and get gifts on Chanukah? Why do we do it? Sincerely, Cindy Dear Cindy, Thanks very much for your question. I have complicated feelings regarding the practice of exchanging gifts on Chanukah. On the one hand, I really like to give gifts; it’s kind […]

Dear Jew in the City, I was told you can only seek medical help on Shabbos if you’re certain it’s life or death. Is there more leniency you can rely on? Sincerely, Chani Dear Chani, Thanks for your question. Before I address it, I want to make two things clear: (1) here, we answer questions […]

Dear Jew in the City, I saw on Peacock’s The Calling that the Orthodox Jewish character guarded dead bodies. Why do they do that? Sincerely, Ed Dear Ed, Thanks for your question. Bodies need to be watched in case the deceased turns into a zombie. The person keeping watch will hopefully have a chance to sound […]

Dear Jew in the City, I saw statements circulating around social media that quote the Jewish Talmud saying a Jew may marry a three-year old girl, a Jew may have sex with a child as long as the child is less than nine years old, and when a grown-up man has intercourse with a little […]