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From the archivesFrom the archives

What’s the Real Difference Between Prayers and Wishes?

Hi Jew in the City- With the Aladdin remake in theaters, it made me wonder what’s the real difference between prayers and wishes? I know that Hashem is no genie to do our bidding, but sometimes I wonder about the limits of what we’re supposed to pray for. What do Jewish sources say? Sincerely, Jessica […]

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Are Orthodox Jews Allowed to Marry Their Cousins?

Dear Jew in the City- Are Orthodox Jews allowed to marry their cousins? Thanks, P.J.   Dear P.J.- Thanks for your question. Before I discuss the Torah’s viewpoint, I’d like to debunk some misconceptions about “cousin marriage,” AKA consanguinity. From the fact that you asked the question, I infer that you are either looking for […]

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George Washington’s Letter to 1790 Jews Gives Hope as Anti-Semitism Increases

As the United States celebrates its 245-year-old freedom, the current climate is unfortunately rife with rising anti-semitism. As anti-semitic attacks – both physical and verbal – increase in this country (targeting Orthodox Jews most commonly, though not exclusively) let us remember on this Independence Day, the promise that was made to the Jews of the […]

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Finding True Love on Tu B’Av: One Couple’s Story

There is hardly anything more universal than the desire to love and be loved. It doesn’t matter what country you live in, what religion you are or what family you come from — love unites us all. One thing we’ll never tire of reading is a great love story. Everyone wants to know how the […]

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Jew in the City Presents “The Sound of Silence” feat. The Maccabeats

In a world obsessed with devices, it occurred to me that we are living in an age where silence dominates many situations. Silence between couples, silence between families, silence everywhere you turn as people tap, tap, tap on their devices. What an isolating existence. But what if there was an antidote to silence? What if […]

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“Science vs. Religion: Mayim Bialik and the OTHER Big Bang Theory” Ep. 4, Season 2

Big Bang Theory star, Mayim Bialik, asks Jew in the City can science and religion work together in a Jewish framework? While there are some Orthodox Jews who believe in a literal account of the creation story, many of us hold that the events must be understood another way. RAMBAM, also known as Maimonides, stated […]

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Discover’s Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Shifra Kolsky Wins at JITC’s 2nd Jewish Media Awards

At JITC’s 2nd Jewish Media Awards, held at Lincoln Center on November 12, 2024, Shifra Kolsky, Controller & Chief Accounting Officer at Discover, was honored with an Orthodox Jewish All-Star Award for proudly living her observant Jewish identity while excelling in a leading profession. In her acceptance speech, Kolsky reflected: “I am acutely aware that […]

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Mitchell Silk’s New Book on Being the First Hasidic Jew in a Senate-Confirmed U.S. Government Role

It’s not commonplace to reach the highest rungs of the U.S. government. Rarer still? A Chinese-speaking Hasidic Jew being Senate-confirmed to a top role. That’s the story of Mitchell Silk, who served as Assistant Secretary for International Markets at the U.S. Department of Treasury — the first Hasidic Jew to hold a presidentially-nominated, Senate-confirmed position. […]

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Lives We’ve Changed

I’m a Christian… I love JITC because it helps me to learn more about a culture I know basically nothing about. I’m a college student and, in part because of the curiosity about other faiths that your work instilled in me, I’m a religious studies minor. I want you to know that you are making a difference not only in the lives of Jews, but in the lives of gentiles as well.

Grace K

I love Jew In The City!!! I’m a senior college student with a secular family and a very religious sister. I’ve been sending JITC episodes to my dad and aunt to help them better understand my sister’s Jewish decision. Thanks for tackling things that can be really tough to explain!

Mary

I really enjoy watching your videos. I’m Christian (not really religious though) and I live in Switzerland where most of the Jews are ultra-orthodox so they appear a little odd to Christians at first sight… But watching your blog brought me a whole different perspective. Most of the Mizwas that appeared pretty silly to me made actually a lot of sense after your explanation… Thanks for opening up my mind! Keep up with the good work!

P.S.

I live near a large Hasidic Jewish community and have had a lot of questions and misjudgments about them. I just love watching your videos because they help answer my questions! God bless!

Molly

I am from a different world, a different religion, and when I say different, I mean it… I am an Arab, a Muslim who totally respects you and admires you and I mean it with all my heart. You are in a quest to break down stereotypes… and no matter how each of our backgrounds fear the other and view each other as the bad people, I am here to tell you, you have made me understand more and respect more.

Your fan from Kuwait

I have to tell you something about your video about headcovering--my husband and I had decided that we wanted to move towards more observance, but hadn't really taken any big steps. And then I saw your video and it made such perfect sense; I started covering my hair full-time, and that one mitzvah has snowballed to tzniut, Shabbat, taharat hamishpacha, having a kosher kitchen. And it all started with your video...

Michelle

I tend to have a hard time hearing ‘the laws’ and the ‘shoulds’ and the ‘musts’...but I have to say, your wit and humor in getting these messages across got me listening. I watched every video on Youtube and immensely enjoyed each one. Looking forward to more of your stuff! Thanks for doing the work you are doing; Jew in the City is definitely on to something BIG.

Mindy

I am so happy I found JITC... It has sincerely strengthened the relationship between me and my mother. I have recently become observant. Its been difficult to explain to my parents why I love Judaism & why I choose to follow certain laws now, however, JITC has been a great medium of explaining the Jewish faith that we never truly understood. JITC, you're doing a great mitzvah!

Will

I love your blog and hope to see more of it. I saw your first episode on modesty and hair covering before I got married. You made it acceptable for me to become frum and I am now happily married with 2 beautiful kids. I cover my hair all the time, something I never thought I would do. Thanks so much for your blog and explaining orthodox life in everyday language.

Chava J.

Your blog has such value. You are a huge positive influence for me becoming observant. You make it accessible.

Hannah

Whew! You have really opened my eyes to a lot. I am actually going to start studying with my local rebbetzin. Much of that has to do with you.

Barri

I love your site. You have deeply affected my life and helped me become more observant. Thank you so much. I can't wait until your next episode!

Jaclyn S.

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