Dear Jew in the City, Why does a Jewish couple get married under a chuppah? Sincerely, Ben Dear Ben, Thanks for your question. For the answer, let us turn to the Talmudic tractate of Kiddushin, which deals with the subject of marriage. The very first Mishnah tells us that marriage is effected through […]
Not every part of the Torah easily comports with science and reason. Not every part of Jewish law is simple to understand in modern times. Perhaps that is why in our age of increasing skepticism Hashem granted us something as miraculous as the State of Israel. The challenges in Judaism don’t go away, but modern […]
Dear Jew in the City- If there’s no Temple anymore, why are we still counting an Omer that’s not even being brought? Didn’t other Temple-related actives just cease after its destruction? Thanks, Losing Count Already Dear Count, That’s a pretty good question. Let’s first explain what “counting the omer” is. Leviticus chapter 23 […]
Dear Jew in the City, How can we celebrate our freedom this Passover when there are still hostages being held in Gaza? Sincerely, David Dear David, Thanks for your question. Shortly after the current war in Gaza began and antisemitism was being normalized in the U.S. (and elsewhere), I replied to a completely different […]
Dear Jew in the City, I just saw that there was a blood moon recently, and was wondering: is there any Jewish meaning to a blood moon? Sincerely, Jonathan Dear Jonathan, Thanks for one of the more interesting questions. Before answering, I think we should first make sure that everyone knows what a “blood […]
Dear Jew in the City, For St. Patrick’s Day, we learn about the “luck of the Irish.” Do Jews believe in luck? Best, Marsha Dear Marsha, Thanks for your question. Before I answer, let tell you about the expression “luck of the Irish,” because it doesn’t mean what people think it means. It may […]
