Dear Rebbetzin Chaya- My husband and I really want a certain name for our baby, but the grandmas-to-be have each been pressuring us to use a name that’s special to them (especially that of my mother-in-law’s father, who unfortunately died last year). How do we handle this? Sincerely, Rikki Dear Rikki- B’Sha’a Tova!! What an […]

Dear JITC- I once spoke to an Orthodox Jew who told me that he didn’t have to report abuse because there is no source for molestation being prohibited in the Torah. Why isn’t it sourced explicitly? How do we understand that it is indeed wrong according to Judaism? Best, J.A.   Dear J.A.- Wow. There […]

Hi JITC- On the first full shabbos I kept, I had a wonderful time, but as I was walking to shul, I asked my host, “Do you really believe that all of those animals were in that ark?”Because it seemed difficult to believe. I put it out of my mind for years, but now it’s […]

Dear Jew in the City- I know that “honoring your father and mother” is a major imperative in Judaism, and I take it seriously. But what about when parents are unreasonable or harmful to their children? In my case, my parents have distanced themselves from the rest of our extended family, for reasons of pride […]

Dear Jew in the City- There are so many delicious foods on the Yom Tov table and so much of them! What does Judaism say about overeating? Good Yom Tov, Kosher Foodie   Dear Foodie- Thanks for your question. Maimonides in Hilchos Deios discusses the path of moderation. This is the approach that Judaism takes in […]

Dear Rebbetzin Chaya- Tishrei is so overwhelming to me. How am I supposed to shop, plan, cook, host, entertain guests for 14 Yom Tov meals plus 12 Shabbos meals, keep my kids entertained…AND somehow get closer to Hashem at the same time? Thanks so much, E.L.   Hey E.L.- So many of us feel this […]