Hi JITC- I’m traveling a lot this summer and there may not be kosher food everywhere. Why isn’t it good enough to just read the ingredients and make sure there is nothing forbidden in the product? Sincerely, B.B. Dear B.B.- Thanks for your question. Once upon a time, it certainly was sufficient to check the […]

Hi Jew in the City- The kids get so dirty on these hot, long Shabbosim. Is there any permitted way to bathe a child on Shabbos? If so, until what age? Thank you, Serena Dear Serena- I’m writing this on the fast of 17 Tammuz, when it’s 94 degrees in NY, and yesterday – which […]

Dear Jew in the City- I know antisemitism is an age-old disease and there are Torah sources for this, such as Eisav soneh l’Yaakov (Esau hates Jacob). At the same time, I think we should still try our best to be exemplary people and explain our customs to those who are curious because they can […]

Hi JITC- Fur is being banned in NYC. This obviously affects all the Hasidic Jews. What’s the Torah opinion on fur? Thanks, Dana Dear Dana- Thanks for your question. Let me clarify the matter for those not in the know. The sale of fur is being considered for a ban in New York City; wearing […]

Dear JITC- How can the Torah command me to not be jealous of our neighbor? How am I supposed to control my feelings? Thanks, R.Z. Dear R.Z.- Thanks for your question. I assume that you’re referring to Exodus 20:14, the last of the “Ten Commandments,” which is the prohibition against coveting, though, really, you could […]

Dear JITC- I work at a school and a nurse there needed to perform a medical procedure and refused to because it meant touching a woman. Does halacha require someone to avoid touching the opposite sex even for work or medical procedures? Sincerely, Bassie Dear Bassie- I am so confused by this question. The nurse […]