A friend did a great kindness for my family and me, so I went to buy her flowers. White hydrangeas, pale yellow roses and bright yellow spray roses adorned my cart at Trader Joe’s as I proceeded to do my weekly shop.  Somewhere along the way, I jarred the flowers while I was loading up. […]

Dear Jew in the City, Why do Orthodox Jews have to wait until certain times to pray? Sincerely, Mark   Dear Mark, Thanks for your question – and I know exactly why you’re asking: because of the bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent. As many have noted, this would make it difficult – if […]

Dear Jew in the City, How do Orthodox Jews pray? Sincerely, Kate   Dear Kate, Thanks for your question. There are a lot of ways I could answer this. For example: How do we pray? In Hebrew (unless one is unable to do so). How do we pray? Standing. Many of us sway (called shuckeling). […]

Dear Jew in the City, Isn’t being honest and ethical part of a religious Jewish life? Sometimes I read about Orthodox Jews committing fraud. What does Judaism forbid, and why are people such hypocrites? Sincerely, Disillusioned and Disappointed Dear D & D- No doubt this question was motivated by the news in which seven “ultra-Orthodox” […]

  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, Why do Orthodox Jews walk everywhere? Sincerely, Driving   Dear Driving, Do we? I literally hadn’t noticed. It’s tempting to say that it’s because fresh air and exercise are good for you – which they are – but I suspect that’s not what you’re experiencing. In all likelihood, you’re encountering […]