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Do Orthodox Jews Perform Virgin Purity Tests?

Dear Jew in the City- I read in The Atlantic that a bunch of religions, including Orthodox Jews, require a purity test, i.e., to check if the bride is a virgin. That is horrifying. Do Orthodox Jews really do this? Thanks, Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thanks for your question. I hadn’t read that, so I Googled […]

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What’s The Difference Between Halacha, Chumra And Minhag?

Dear Jew in the City- What’s the difference between a halacha, minhag, chumra and inyan? Which ones are mandatory and which are optional? Thanks, Eli Dear Eli, Thanks for your question. Let’s start with halacha. “Halacha” means law. These can be Biblical or rabbinic. The Torah gives us mitzvos – commandments – like “keep Shabbos,” […]

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Should I Throw Out Chaim Walder’s Books?

Dear Jew in the City- Should I throw out Chain Walder’s books? Thanks, Sara Dear Sara, For those who have been living in a cave for the past few months, Chaim Walder was a rabbi and therapist who wrote a number of acclaimed books that help kids address a variety of personal and emotional issues, including abuse. […]

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Do Jews Believe In Turning the Other Cheek or Strict Justice?

Dear JITC- I just saw Spider-Man, which seems to be about the Christian version of justice. Christians believe in turning the other cheek. Desmond Tutu, who just died, said Holocaust survivors should forgive Nazis! Jews believe in compassion but also in stopping and punishing evil. Why does Judaism believe in vengeance in addition to compassion? […]

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Does Drinking A “L’Chaim” Influence God To Bless Us?

Dear JITC- I read your post on Jews and alcohol. What are your thoughts on the fact that many Orthodox Jews have some liquor and say “l’chaim” at Shabbos meals? They often will then say something like “May we all have brachos in parnasa and health and besuros tovos.” Is there a source for the […]

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What’s the Torah Perspective on Genetic Testing?

Dear Jew in the City- I saw your article about marrying cousins. That could cause some genetic issues. What’s the Orthodox Jewish perspective on genetic testing? Thank you, Sophie Dear Sophie- “What’s the Orthodox Jewish perspective on genetic testing?” To me, that’s like asking, “What’s the Orthodox Jewish perspective on flossing?” It’s neither an obligation […]

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