Dear Jew in the City- Are Orthodox Jews allowed to marry their cousins? Thanks, P.J. Dear P.J.- Thanks for your question. Before I discuss the Torah’s viewpoint, I’d like to debunk some misconceptions about “cousin marriage,” AKA consanguinity. From the fact that you asked the question, I infer that you are either looking for […]
Dear JITC- Is it true that the only holidays we’ll still celebrate when Moshiach comes are Chanukah and Purim? If so, why? Sincerely, Chaya Dear Chaya- Thanks for your question. This is a topic that I addressed a few years ago in a different context, so please forgive me if I repurpose what I wrote […]
Dear Jew in the City- I have a question that’s half Jewish and half superhero. There’s this newish trend to make superheroes not physically perfect. It maybe started with Daredevil and The Eternals specifically included disabled superheroes. This got me thinking about how kohanim can’t have a mum (defect). It seems to me that if […]
Eli Verschleiser, chairman and co-founder of the Our Place centers which combat abuse, trauma and addiction in Orthodox Jewish communities, considers himself an honorary Our Place member and thinks he always will be. Originally from Lakewood, New Jersey, his family was one of the first few hundred families who settled there. He had some trouble […]
Dear JITC- Is there a source that says we’re supposed use our talents? Thanks, Hindy Dear Hindy- Thanks for your question, to which I give a qualified yes. The only talents that I can think of that one might be obligated to use are leadership and teaching Torah. Regarding leadership, the Mishna teaches “in a […]
Dear Jew in the City- My son recently started putting on tefillin. Is there anything meaningful that I can share with him about this mitzvah? Thank you, Allison Dear Allison- Nope. Not a thing. I’m kidding. There’s actually quite a bit one could say about the significance of tefillin. It always struck me as strange […]
