Dear Jew in the City, What is the Torah view on Jewish people getting an autopsy? Sincerely, Mark   Dear Mark, Hmm. Interesting question. And honestly, we’re all surprised that this hasn’t come up before! The answer starts with condemned criminals. You see, the Torah commands that an executed felon has to be buried on […]

Dear Jew in the City, Is it a problem for Jews to celebrate the Gregorian New Year? Sincerely, Brad   Dear Brad, Thanks for your very interesting question. The Torah prohibits us from copying other nations’ practices (Leviticus 18:3), which means that we’re not allowed to observe the holidays of other religions. This can be […]

Dear Jew in the City, How do I raise my kids to be respectful of Christmas yet not have Christmas-envy? People always seem to go to one extreme or the other, but I’d like to give over a nuanced perspective to my children. Sincerely, Holiday Cheer Dear Cheer, That’s a great question. I’m no parenting expert, […]

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 […]

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 […]