A new Guardian interview with comedian Max Olesker, who underwent adult circumcision as part of his conversion to Orthodox Judaism, has brought renewed attention to the debate surrounding circumcision. Olesker has even turned his experience into a one-man show, Making the Cut. But Olesker isn’t the only one whose experience with circumcision has made headlines. […]
The 25th anniversary of the falling of the Twin Towers is on Sunday. Like many, I have distinct memories of September 11, 2001: I was in second grade, and was already in my Brooklyn classroom davening shacharis by the time the first plane crashed into the North Tower. While understanding the gravity of the situation, […]
For thousands of years, Jews have wrapped tefillin every weekday morning, paused to make a blessing before eating, and recited Shema before bed — not because we knew that these practices were good for us from a mental and physical health perspective, but simply because Hashem commanded us to do them. We don’t need neuroscience […]
Poland is disgustingly beautiful in the spring. I went to bear witness where my people were annihilated, but I never expected to see plains and hills so deep and richly green. I never saw such vibrant rows of yellow flowers. The weather was perfect. I wanted to mess it up, spit on it, hack at […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why does Hashem need our prayers, especially when He already knows what we want and need? Why is prayer so important? Sincerely, Rachel Dear Rachel, Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, you’ve got things backwards. God is complete and perfect; we’ve got nothing to offer Him that He “needs.” Sure, […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why does Hashem need our prayers, especially when He already knows what we want and need? Why is prayer so important? Sincerely, Rachel Dear Rachel, Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, you’ve got things backwards. God is complete and perfect; we’ve got nothing to offer Him that He “needs.” Sure, […]
