Dear JITC- I was told by my rabbi that the fifth book of the Shulchan Aruch is seichel, but what sources tell us that we should use seichel (our common sense)? Thanks, Malky Dear Malky- If you want to see a source that we should use common sense, look no farther than the Torah itself. […]

Dear Jew in the City- Since the election, it is clear that both political sides doubt each other’s integrity. It made me think about the requirements for Jewish leaders according to Torah. What kind of qualities did leaders have to have to sit on the Sanhedrin or be a judge? Thank you, Steve Dear Steve- […]

Dear Jew in the City- How does Judaism know which experts to trust on controversial topics such as masks and vaccines? I understand that the Jewish approach is to guard our lives by taking care of our health, but what if there are different medical opinions? Thank you, Boruch Dear Boruch- Thanks for your question, […]

Dear JITC- What are some possible ways the Covid pandemic might affect fasting on Yom Kippur this year? If I have symptoms, if I’ve been exposed, if I’m sick, if I’m higher risk, if I’m the ba’al tefillah, etc? Sincerely, Avi Dear Avi- Thanks for your question. As you are probably aware, all mitzvos in […]

Dear Jew in the City- If Hashem is our father and He loves us, how come he keeps on sending nisayonos (tests) to us. I know this is only for our best and we gain from it but it’s so hard that I get angry at Hashem and I don’t feel like I have what […]

Dear Jew in the City- How can I get the most air circulation in my sukkah this year? We are considering having company since outdoor socialization seems safer now. What’s the least amount of material my sukkah can have for maximum airflow and still be kosher? Thank you, C.M. Dear C.M.- Okay, first things first. […]