Dear Jew in the City, Why aren’t Jewish people, who are supposed to be “a light to the nations,” obligated to treat non-Jews the same as they treat fellow Jews? Sincerely, Eileen Dear Eileen, Thanks for your question. (Actually, this question was submitted in the comment section of a different article. I thought it was […]
Dear Jew in the City, What does Judaism say about the death penalty? Sincerely, Eric Dear Eric, That’s an interesting question. I assume you mean “What does Judaism say about the death penalty in secular law?” because anyone with even a rudimentary knowledge of the Torah knows that capital punishment is all over Jewish law. […]
Dear Jew in the City- I have read your blog many times and usually I enjoy it. I am very disturbed by one post in particular: Dirty, Money Grabbing Parasitic Vermin: Anti-Semitism Is Alive And Well. I am more disturbed by the passage from Deuteronomy than by the baseball-loving Jew hater. As a Jew from Ukraine, […]
Dear Jew in the City, I recently met my half-siblings online and I will be meeting them in person this summer. Most of my half-siblings are Jewish and some are Orthodox. I have not had many experiences with Jewish people. Could you give me a list of things not to do or say, and ways […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is there anything we can look to within Jewish sources to understand the blood libel accusations against Jews when Jews uniquely value life? Sincerely, Samuel Dear Samuel, Thanks for your question. The short answer is no. The longer answer is also no. Jewish sources are great for explaining why […]
Dear Jew in the City, How is Tu b’Shevat connected to the land of Israel? Best, Jonah Dear Jonah, Thanks for your question. We discussed Tu b’Shevat a few years ago, so let’s make a quick recap. The first mishna in tractate Rosh Hashana tells us that there are four “new years,” as follows: […]
