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, The Calling has the Orthodox detective saying a prayer (Kaddish) over every dead body he finds. Why do Jews pray for the dead? Sincerely, Jon Dear Jon, Thanks for your question. I haven’t seen The Calling so I can’t comment directly on the show, but there seems to be sufficient […]

Today I’m going to answer a question that nobody asked. But first, some background. There’s something that people do whenever these articles are posted on social media. When Allison (or whoever handles social media on her behalf) posts the articles, the question that I’m answering is always part of the post. What some people invariably […]

Dear Jew in the City, Recent studies have shown that married couples sleep better in separate beds. Why do Orthodox couples sleep in separate beds? Sincerely, Sam Dear Sam, Thanks for your question. I can tell you this: the reason isn’t for a better night’s sleep! Historically, mitzvos have had a number of health benefits. […]

Dear Jew in the City, What are the basic halachic requirements for tzniyus? Sincerely, Teri Dear Teri Thanks for your question. I try to avoid answering “what’s the halacha?” questions because of the lack of universal parameters in matters of halacha. For example, I once made the innocuous observation that the bracha after eating rice […]