Dear Jew in the City, Why do Orthodox Jews walk everywhere? Sincerely, Driving Dear Driving, Do we? I literally hadn’t noticed. It’s tempting to say that it’s because fresh air and exercise are good for you – which they are – but I suspect that’s not what you’re experiencing. In all likelihood, you’re encountering […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why do Jews kiss the door? Sincerely, Puzzled Dear Puzzled, Thanks for your question. I’m going to answer it but before I do, I’m going to tell you a story. Many years ago, when the interwebs were in their infancy, people got their information from a thing called newspapers. (Imagine […]
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 […]
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, 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, […]
