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How is Tu b’Shevat Connected to the Land of Israel?

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: […]

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Why Does God Care About The Intricate Details of Our Practice?

Dear Jew in the City, Why does Hashem care so much about the intricate details of our practice, i.e. all the halachot of Shabbat, kashrut, etc.? Sincerely, Yuval Dear Yuval, Thanks for your question. You want to talk about an intricate detail? Let’s talk about commas. A comma is a tiny thing. Certainly, the inclusion […]

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How Can We Prove Jewish People Value Life and Peace?

Dear Jew in the City, Too much of the world believes that Jews are bloodthirsty baby killers. What Jewish sources are there to show that we value life, peace, and righteousness? Sincerely, Shira   Dear Shira, Thanks for your question. There’s only one such source, and it’s called the Torah. As Pirkei Avos says regarding […]

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How do the Miracles of Chanukah Inspire Miracles Today?

Dear Jew in the City, What did the Jewish people do in the time of Chanukah to merit miracles and what can we do now to merit miracles in our day? Sincerely, Jonah   Dear Jonah, Thanks for your question, though I want to reframe it before I answer: don’t plan for miracles. We have […]

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Can Prayers Make a Difference?

Dear Jew in the City, You recently wrote about prayer and I was wondering: Do our prayers actually accomplish anything? Can my prayers make a difference in the world, or even in my own life? Sincerely, Joseph   Dear Joseph, Thanks for your question. As we discussed in that previous article, the purpose of prayer […]

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Through Hard Times, How Does Torah “Hold up the World”?

Dear Jew in the City, People often say that learning Torah “holds up the world.” What does that mean exactly? At this time when it’s being more stressed than ever, how is it actually helping? Sincerely, Erin   Dear Erin, Thanks for your questions. Before I answer them, I’d like to give you some important […]

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