As we’ve said many times on this site: Orthodox Jews should not be held to a different standard than the rest of the world, but we know we always will be. At the same time, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard, because what is the point of being observant if you don’t actually […]

I’m so sick of Hollywood getting Hasidic Jews wrong on TV and movies. It’s a really big lift to get the details correct and approach the characters in a way in which they can portray their humanity. That’s why I was more hopeful when I heard that NBC’s New Amsterdam had an episode with Orthodox […]

I was delighted to return to “The Bernie and Sid Show” this morning to discuss our Meet a Jew in the City. Make a Friend. pop up tomorrow. We are so excited to have our second event tomorrow at 42nd St between 2nd and 3rd Ave from 11:30am-1:30pm. We also spoke about the Coronavirus and […]

In the last several weeks, there have been three suicides in Israel in the ex-Hasidic community. While I don’t know the particulars around these tragedies, I unfortunately, have learned a few things about suicidal ex-Hasidim in the last few years, due to our work with the members of Makom. I am proud to say that […]

There’s something special about being one of the only Orthodox Jews for miles. I represent the Jewish community, whether I intend to or not. Sometimes I can’t help but stand out. I’m the only woman at the gym in a skirt, long sleeves, and headscarf. With my sheitel, I can blend. Although, when it’s over […]

I once asked my mother, when I was a young girl, why she fasted on Yom Kippur. She isn’t particularly religious, doesn’t believe in all the Bible stories and questions the existence of God as depicted in traditional Judeo-Christian texts and ideologies. My young brain simply assumed that anyone who fasted on the holiest day […]