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 […]
Dear Jew in the City, Ozempic and similar treatments are trending like crazy. Is there any Jewish law against using them? Or is it a good thing to take care of your body in this way? Best, Barbara Dear Barbara, Thanks for your question. My answer, perhaps surprisingly, starts in the book of Bereishis. In […]
Dear JITC- We just discovered that the Bibas bodies have been unburied for over a year. What does Jewish law say about when to bury a body and why is it this way? Thanks, Sharon Dear Sharon, Thanks for your question. Usually, when someone asks a question based on a current event, I explain the […]
