Dear Jew in the City- The Hareidi community has been in the news for not getting vaccinated for Covid. We know Jews value life, but what does it say about valuing the life of another and, if that is important, why aren’t more getting vaccinated? Thanks, Michelle Dear Michelle, Thanks for your question. Before I answer it, […]
Hi JITC- Does Orthodox Jewish law recommend the COVID vaccine? -Sruly Dear Sruly- This is an important topic and we absolutely should discuss it but I know what comes with this territory: hate comments. I get it; there are those who oppose vaccinations. The rest of us know what you have to say but we […]
Dear Jew in the City- Covid has a weird symptom of removing people’s senses of smell and taste. What do smell and taste represent in Judaism? Also, my whole family lost our sense of smell from Covid. How do we handle the besamim part of havdalah? Sincerely, Jody Dear Jody- Thanks for your question. I […]
When more than 5,000 frozen vaccine doses faced expiration after a brutal winter storm cut power, a hospital faced a dilemma of how they could organize people to receive the shots. With a ticking clock, and hazardous driving conditions due to the snow, Houston Methodist Hospital had to find a place that was accessible by […]
Dear JITC- I never said a blessing on another vaccine. Why are people saying one now? Thanks, Rochie Dear Rochie- Thanks for your question. Before we discuss the possibility of reciting a bracha upon receiving the vaccination for COVID-19, I’d like to address some principles of brachos generally. The fact that we recite brachos is […]
While the Orthodox Union and some Modern Orthodox rabbis announced their support of taking the Covid-19 vaccine when the shot first became available last week, there have been misunderstandings about its endorsement in the Haredi community. However, the news now shows that in line with the mitzvah to guard one’s life, many prominent and respected […]
