Dear Jew in the City- Judaism says we are supposed to be compassionate, but I feel overwhelmed by all of the world-wide tragedies lately. Is there room to sit out emotionally or do I have to be engaged in grieving with the rest of the world? Thanks, Teri Dear Teri, Thanks for your question. Being […]
Dear Jew in the City- What’s the difference between a halacha, minhag, chumra and inyan? Which ones are mandatory and which are optional? Thanks, Eli Dear Eli, Thanks for your question. Let’s start with halacha. “Halacha” means law. These can be Biblical or rabbinic. The Torah gives us mitzvos – commandments – like “keep Shabbos,” […]
Dear Jew in the City- My son recently started putting on tefillin. Is there anything meaningful that I can share with him about this mitzvah? Thank you, Allison Dear Allison- Nope. Not a thing. I’m kidding. There’s actually quite a bit one could say about the significance of tefillin. It always struck me as strange […]
Dear Jew in the City- What are shmittah and yovel? Thank you, Shira Dear Shira- Thanks for your question, which I assume was inspired by the fact that this year (Hebrew year 5782) is a shmittah year. Shmittah is a rest for the land of Israel once every seven years, just as Shabbos is a […]
Dear Jew in the City- Many people enjoy looking at rainbows. I know it’s meant to be considered a sign that we are supposed to repent. Are we allowed to enjoy them (or tell others about them)? Thanks, Darcy Dear Darcy- Thanks for your question. The rainbow is the topic of Genesis 9:12-16, following Noah’s […]
Dear Jew in the City- I’ve been wondering why matrilineal descent is how people are considered to be born Jewish. Do you have an explanation for it? Sincerely, Cameron Dear Cameron- Thanks for your question. Overly simplified, matrilineal descent means that “religion follows the mother.” A lot of people mistakenly think that, Biblically speaking, we […]
