Dear Jew in the City- I’m wondering if there is more information about the lost 12 tribes? Which tribe would Ashkenazi Jews come from? Sincerely, Crystal   Dear Crystal- Thanks for your question. First off, there are 10 “lost” Tribes, not 12. There were 12 Tribes in total (kind of), not all of which were […]

Dear Rebbetzin- A rabbi that lots of people respect has said some very troubling things. I know we’re supposed to respect rabbinic authority, but what do I do when a rabbi says offensive, troubling things? Sincerely, C Dear C- While filtering our worldview through the lens of the Torah’s wisdom is an important part of […]

Hi JITC- Do Jews Believe in Hell? Sincerely, Hayley Dear Hayley- I don’t know where the idea that Jews don’t believe in Hell got started but we most certainly do believe in one. I’ve heard umpteen times on television that Jews don’t believe in Hell – including on the venerable Simpsons. And people figure that […]

Dear Jew in the City- In the wake of the #metoo movement, it got me thinking, how would Jewish Law handle a “he said/she said” situation? How much evidence is enough to implicate someone according to the Torah in a case with no witnesses? Sincerely, A Concerned Woman Dear Concerned- I was sent this question […]

Dear Rebbetzin Chaya- A friend asked me to do a job for her, which I did before we agreed on an exact price. It was not an easy job, but she was desperate and I was glad to be able to help. Then suddenly she told me that she didn’t have money to pay me […]

Dear Jew in the City- Since I became religious, I’ve been scared about the seemingly loose attitude about fire safety in the frum world (leaving Shabbos and Chanukah candles burning, hot plates on for 3-day Yom Tov stretches). What’s the right approach here? Sincerely, Morgan Dear Morgan- Thanks for your question. I’m with you on […]