Dear Jew in the City- Are all Jews meant to be in Israel right now, or in general before Moshiach comes? And if we are, is that said to make his arrival come faster? – Eden Dear Eden, Thanks for your question. For an answer, I’m going to give a qualified “no.” The concept you’re […]
Dear Jew in the City, Some Orthodox communities live very separately from the rest of the world. Is this based on any laws? Thanks, Abbey Dear Abbey, Thanks for your question. I like the way you asked if doing so is “based on any laws.” To that I would say yes – it’s “based on” […]
Dear Jew in the City, What are tzitzit and why do Jewish men wear them? Sincerely, Jack Dear Jack, Thanks for your question. Just a heads-up, you said tzitzit, reflecting the Sephardic pronunciation, but I’m going to use tzitzis, à la the Ashkenazic. The answer to your question is fairly straightforward: we wear tzitzis because […]
Dear Jew in the City, What is the difference between guilt, regret, and feeling like a bad Jew? For example, I didn’t fast on the 10th of Tevet when I didn’t feel well, so I feel like a bad Jew. Sincerely, Shaindy Dear Shaindy, Thanks for your question. It’s one I’ve had a lot of […]
Dear Jew in the City, I saw on My Unorthodox Life that a man is allowed to beat his wife according to Torah law. Is that true? Sincerely, Nechama Dear Nechama, Oh, boy. Here’s we go again. First of all, as I have had more occasion to say over the past few months than one […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is it a problem to give and get gifts on Chanukah? Why do we do it? Sincerely, Cindy Dear Cindy, Thanks very much for your question. I have complicated feelings regarding the practice of exchanging gifts on Chanukah. On the one hand, I really like to give gifts; it’s kind […]
