Dear Jew in the City- I heard that when Moshiach comes, bacon and pork will be kosher. Is this true? Sincerely, MM Dear MM- Thanks for your question. Long story short, no. Now, short story long. I know exactly what you’re talking about and I’ll explain it. The first thing you need to know is […]

Dear JITC- I’m confused as to whether being Jewish is a religion, a race, a cultural identity or all three. If it’s not a race, then how come Jewishness is inherited? All the best, Miranda Dear Miranda- Thanks for your question. This is a tricky topic so let’s define what things are. A race is […]

Dear JITC- Is there a way to feel out a rabbi’s opinion on something before committing to following their psak? Best, Shterna Dear Shterna- You’ve probably heard that one is not permitted to “shop around” for a psak (ruling) that one likes; rather, one should have a rav whose positions one follows consistently. But what’s […]

Dear Jew in the City- What is Shabbos Nachamu? I know it’s the Shabbos after Tisha b’Av but what’s the point of it? Are you supposed to do anything on it? Thanks! Sincerely, Cici Dear Cici- For the three Shabboses leading up to Tisha b’Av, we read haftaros of admonition – two from Jeremiah and […]

Hi JITC- I’m traveling a lot this summer and there may not be kosher food everywhere. Why isn’t it good enough to just read the ingredients and make sure there is nothing forbidden in the product? Sincerely, B.B. Dear B.B.- Thanks for your question. Once upon a time, it certainly was sufficient to check the […]

Dear JITC, I grew up in a secular Jewish home, and converted to Orthodox Judaism in my twenties (I converted because my mother wasn’t Jewish, only my father). Initially I was so gung-ho and extremely meticulous and passionate about my observance, I was on such a spiritual high and it was amazing. But it was […]