Dear Jew in the City- Judaism says we are supposed to be compassionate, but I feel overwhelmed by all of the world-wide tragedies lately. Is there room to sit out emotionally or do I have to be engaged in grieving with the rest of the world? Thanks, Teri Dear Teri, Thanks for your question. Being […]

Dear Jew in the City- The Hareidi community has been in the news for not getting vaccinated for Covid. We know Jews value life, but what does it say about valuing the life of another and, if that is important, why aren’t more getting vaccinated? Thanks, Michelle Dear Michelle, Thanks for your question. Before I answer it, […]

Dear Jew in the City- I read in The Atlantic that a bunch of religions, including Orthodox Jews, require a purity test, i.e., to check if the bride is a virgin. That is horrifying. Do Orthodox Jews really do this? Thanks, Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thanks for your question. I hadn’t read that, so I Googled […]

Dear Jew in the City- What’s the difference between a halacha, minhag, chumra and inyan? Which ones are mandatory and which are optional? Thanks, Eli Dear Eli, Thanks for your question. Let’s start with halacha. “Halacha” means law. These can be Biblical or rabbinic. The Torah gives us mitzvos – commandments – like “keep Shabbos,” […]

Dear Jew in the City- Should I throw out Chain Walder’s books? Thanks, Sara Dear Sara, For those who have been living in a cave for the past few months, Chaim Walder was a rabbi and therapist who wrote a number of acclaimed books that help kids address a variety of personal and emotional issues, including abuse. […]

Dear JITC- I just saw Spider-Man, which seems to be about the Christian version of justice. Christians believe in turning the other cheek. Desmond Tutu, who just died, said Holocaust survivors should forgive Nazis! Jews believe in compassion but also in stopping and punishing evil. Why does Judaism believe in vengeance in addition to compassion? […]