Dear Jew in the City, Are there any laws that tell people not to talk about their intimate lives? What are the exceptions? Sincerely, Hannah   Dear Hannah, There are indeed such laws, and you’ve probably heard of them. Collectively, such laws are referred to as “tzniyus.” “Hey!” I hear you say. “Tzniyus refers to the […]

Dear Jew in the City, Why didn’t King David deal more harshly with his son who raped his daughter? Why didn’t Yaakov react more strongly to Dinah being raped? – Jason Dear Jason- Thanks for your question, Jason. I understand where you’re coming from, but I think you’re making a lot of assumptions about what […]

Dear Jew in the City, Recent studies have shown that married couples sleep better in separate beds. Why do Orthodox couples sleep in separate beds? Sincerely, Sam Dear Sam, Thanks for your question. I can tell you this: the reason isn’t for a better night’s sleep! Historically, mitzvos have had a number of health benefits. […]

Dear Jew in the City, What is the status of physical pleasure in Judaism? Is it good or evil? How can I tell what is too much and what is too little? Sincerely, Rob Dear Rob, Thanks for your question. Now I’m going to ask you one: do you know what musar is? Musar is […]

Dear Jew in the City- Are two witnesses really required in order to report  physical or sexual abuse? Thanks, Sara Dear Sara, Thanks for your question, though I legit have no idea what you’re talking about. The Torah says, “Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be executed based on the testimony of witnesses, but […]

Dear Jew in the City- I read in The Atlantic that a bunch of religions, including Orthodox Jews, require a purity test, i.e., to check if the bride is a virgin. That is horrifying. Do Orthodox Jews really do this? Thanks, Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thanks for your question. I hadn’t read that, so I Googled […]