November is National Adoption Month and we had the pleasure of speaking with Chavie Bruk, who courageously shares her story with grace, wisdom, and levity. Married in her early twenties in 2006, Chavie Bruk moved to Montana with her husband on shlichus (emissaries of Jewish outreach) to establish a Jewish presence in the vast, picturesque […]
When Orthodox Jewish U.S. Army Specialist Daniel Agami was killed by an improvised IED in Iraq, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart among several other honors, and his parents earned the designation of being Gold Star Parents. Despite this bittersweet distinction, his mother Beth Agami’s deep faith in Hashem has allowed her journey to […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why is Sukkot the holiday of happiness over other holidays? Best, Raphael Dear Raphael, Thanks for your question. Let’s assume you were jaded and cynical. I know that doesn’t apply to anyone here, but if you were jaded and cynical, you might think, “Well, when the Rabbis composed the […]
Everyday during the month of Elul, the month proceeding the days of Awe, we say the following chapter of psalms that begins with L’dovid Hashem Ori: Of David, The LORD is my light and my help; whom should I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, whom should I dread? When evil men […]
Dear Jew in the City, What are the prophecies that were set to transpire in exile? Is there anything we’ve seen in Jewish history so far that matches up to that? Sincerely, Rafi Dear Rafi, Thanks for your question. We’ve discussed prophecies before, so I’ll share with you a few of my favorites, and […]
Dear Jew in the City, How is Tu b’Shevat connected to the land of Israel? Best, Jonah Dear Jonah, Thanks for your question. We discussed Tu b’Shevat a few years ago, so let’s make a quick recap. The first mishna in tractate Rosh Hashana tells us that there are four “new years,” as follows: […]
