Dear Jew in the City, Honoring your parents is a Torah commandment that Jews of all backgrounds seem to know well. Jewish guilt is an often joked about stereotype and parents can sometimes become experts in guilting their children to abide by their wishes under the aforementioned commandment.  In all seriousness though, part of a […]

Dear Jew in the City, Recent studies have shown that married couples sleep better in separate beds. Why do Orthodox couples sleep in separate beds? Sincerely, Sam Dear Sam, Thanks for your question. I can tell you this: the reason isn’t for a better night’s sleep! Historically, mitzvos have had a number of health benefits. […]

Dear Jew in the City- Judaism requires children to have certain obligations towards their parents with honoring one’s mother and father. Do parents have any obligations to their children? Thanks, RR Dear RR- Thanks very much for your question. While it seems rather straightforward, I suspect from your juxtaposition to the obligation of honoring parents […]

Hi Jew in the City- The kids get so dirty on these hot, long Shabbosim. Is there any permitted way to bathe a child on Shabbos? If so, until what age? Thank you, Serena Dear Serena- I’m writing this on the fast of 17 Tammuz, when it’s 94 degrees in NY, and yesterday – which […]

Dear Rebbetzin Chaya- My husband and I really want a certain name for our baby, but the grandmas-to-be have each been pressuring us to use a name that’s special to them (especially that of my mother-in-law’s father, who unfortunately died last year). How do we handle this? Sincerely, Rikki Dear Rikki- B’Sha’a Tova!! What an […]

Dear Jew in the City- I know that “honoring your father and mother” is a major imperative in Judaism, and I take it seriously. But what about when parents are unreasonable or harmful to their children? In my case, my parents have distanced themselves from the rest of our extended family, for reasons of pride […]