Dear JITC – What is Hoshana Rabbah? Why are we beating willow branches? Thanks, Jason Dear Jason- Thanks for your question. The answer boils down to the Oral Law. The Oral Law is an integral part of the Torah. It’s absolutely impossible to observe the Torah without it. For example, the Torah tells us that […]
Dear Jew in the City- Every year I read about the Orthodox Jews who use chickens in some sort of atonement ceremony. It seems incredibly cruel to have chickens handled like this. Is there no law against animal cruelty in Orthodox Judaism? All the best, Jon Dear Jon – Thanks for your question. The ceremony […]
Dear Jew in the City, The month of Elul is a beautiful concept, but can be hard to relate to. What do I do actionably in Elul? What should we be trying to accomplish pre-teshuva? Best, Matt Dear Matt- Thanks for your question. First, let’s examine what Elul is. You might not realize how much […]
Dear Jew in the City, A few weeks ago, you discussed when Moshiach will come. What will happen when he gets here? Sincerely, Incredulous Dear Incredulous- Ah, a follow-up question! I love a good sequel as much as the next guy but with rare exception, they’re usually not as satisfying as the original. Here, […]
Dear JITC- There’s a new movie called “The Dark Tower” (based on a Stephen King book) about parallel worlds/alternate realities. Does such a thing exist in Jewish thought? -SciFi Junkie Dear SciFi- Thanks for your question. I haven’t read the “Dark Tower” series, and I don’t intend to see the film, but I am […]
Dear Jew in the City- When is Moshiach coming? Sincerely, Y. E. Dear Y.E. Ah, nothing like the easy ones! Happily, I don’t have to answer this question on my own because the Talmud discusses it in great detail. The subject is examined in tractate Sanhedrin on pages 97a-99a, with occasional tangents for related […]
