In a week when many Jews were glued to the New York City mayoral race with anxiety and dread, a very different kind of story was unfolding quietly in the Midwest. In University Heights — a suburb of Cleveland with the largest concentration of Orthodox Jews in Ohio — Michele Weiss, an Orthodox Jewish woman, […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is the Lev Tahor cult actually Jewish? Best, Max Dear Max, Thanks for your question. You know, had you asked “Is Lev Tahor a cult,” I might have balked at answering (I have an aversion to lawsuits), but I didn’t say it’s a cult, you did. And so do lots […]
By the late 1990s, Kevin Bright had everything most people dream of. As an executive producer of Friends, he was shaping one of the most iconic shows in television history. But while millions connected to the six friends on screen, Kevin felt disconnected from something he once knew intimately: his own Jewish life. As a […]
Dear Jew in the City- This week Americans will show their thanks by getting together and eating Turkey and stuffing. Are there any Jewish customs or rituals for expressing gratitude? Thanks, Adam Dear Adam- Thanks for your question. There is an important characteristic in Judaism called hakaras hatov, acknowledging the good. It is stressed that […]
Dear Jew in the City- Is being wicked for good a Jewish concept? All the best, Linda Dear Linda- Thanks for your question. Before I answer it, let me just say that I see what you did there. I can answer this question, but as of this writing I have not yet seen the movie […]
Over the past 14 years working as an occupational therapist in the NYC Department of Education, I’ve cherished teaching children how to hold a pencil, tie shoelaces, and navigate school challenges. But the most impactful experience continues to be a deeply personal one: Seeing the value society gives to the populations portrayed in their educational […]
