Dear Jew in the City, I read that until Talmudic times, Jewishness used to be passed on through patrilineal descent. Is that true? If true, why did it change? If false, why do people think that? Sincerely, Harry Dear Harry, Thanks for your question. We have discussed matrilineal descent before, so let’s recap that first. […]
Dear Jew in the City, Does a couple have to get divorced if they don’t produce children? Sincerely, Karen Dear Karen, Thanks for your question. Once again, I’m going to reiterate the distinction between halacha and halacha l’maaseh, i.e., between Jewish law and its practical application. Not everything you may see in the law codes […]
Dear Jew in the City, What is the difference between guilt, regret, and feeling like a bad Jew? For example, I didn’t fast on the 10th of Tevet when I didn’t feel well, so I feel like a bad Jew. Sincerely, Shaindy Dear Shaindy, Thanks for your question. It’s one I’ve had a lot of […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is it a problem to give and get gifts on Chanukah? Why do we do it? Sincerely, Cindy Dear Cindy, Thanks very much for your question. I have complicated feelings regarding the practice of exchanging gifts on Chanukah. On the one hand, I really like to give gifts; it’s kind […]
Dear Jew in the City, Let’s say a teenager wasn’t able to express his real thoughts growing up, because his parents actively silenced him, gave him the message his opinion wasn’t wanted or didn’t meet his emotional needs in a significant way? In order to heal, he’s supposed to go through different stages of emotions. One […]
Dear Jew in the City, I was told you can only seek medical help on Shabbos if you’re certain it’s life or death. Is there more leniency you can rely on? Sincerely, Chani Dear Chani, Thanks for your question. Before I address it, I want to make two things clear: (1) here, we answer questions […]
