Dear JITC- One thing I struggle with is davening. Why do we normally only daven for Jewish people? I like variety and new things, why do we have to say the same words over and over again? Also, in the past, I really davened for important things that then didn’t come about, where does that […]

Dear Jew in the City- Does Judaism have any opinions on politics or government? Are there Jewish Sources on how to deal with it and what our role should be? Thank you, Al Dear Al – Thanks for your question. Let’s first deal with our own form of government. Some people mistakenly think that the […]

Hey JITC- Rivka got engaged at three years old? How are we supposed to understand this? Best, Emily Dear Emily- Thanks for your question. I’m gratified that you said “engaged” rather than married because that’s a huge difference. The idea that Rivka was three is not the only opinion but it’s been popularized because it’s […]

Hey Jew in the City- Was the Golem real? Have any been attempted since the Maharal? What’s the source for this? Thanks, Frankie Dear Frankie- Thanks for your question. This is one of those areas where I feel that, for many people, I’m not the right person to answer their question. On the other hand, for […]

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 […]