Many men, Jewish or not, have encountered bearded men asking them if they’re Jewish. Whether on the streets of Manhattan, on an airplane, or in Home Depot, Chabadsters approach people, asking them if they would like to wrap tefillin. This approach might seem “aggressive” to some, but Yossi Farro credits Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks saying […]
Dear Jew in the City, Are there specific circumstances under which the mitzvah of freeing hostages takes precedence over other mitzvot? Sincerely, Aaron Dear Aaron, Thanks for your question. You want to know if the mitzvah of freeing hostages ever takes priority? It almost always takes priority! The story of pidyon shvuyim (the mitzvah of […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is there an obligation from a Jewish law perspective to defend the land of Israel in battle? If so, why is there a large group that refuses to fight? Sincerely, Edith Dear Edith, Thanks for your question, which is more timely than you may realize. (In fact, it’s so […]
Dear jew in the City, What is the source and meaning for “he who is compassionate to the cruel will be cruel to the compassionate?” Sincerely, Joseph Dear Joseph, Thanks for your question. Are you familiar with Godwin’s law? Godwin’s law is an internet principle which states that as an online discussion grows longer, […]
Dear Jew in the City, Too much of the world believes that Jews are bloodthirsty baby killers. What Jewish sources are there to show that we value life, peace, and righteousness? Sincerely, Shira Dear Shira, Thanks for your question. There’s only one such source, and it’s called the Torah. As Pirkei Avos says regarding […]
Dear Jew in the City, What did the Jewish people do in the time of Chanukah to merit miracles and what can we do now to merit miracles in our day? Sincerely, Jonah Dear Jonah, Thanks for your question, though I want to reframe it before I answer: don’t plan for miracles. We have […]
