Dear Jew in the City, I visited the site of the Nova Music Festival. What does Judaism say about visiting the site of a massacre? Is this kind of tourism allowed? I’m looking for an example to compare and contrast. Thank you, Arya – Dear Arya, Thanks for your question. To be honest, I couldn’t […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is there a blessing to recite when a captive is released? Thank you, Eliana – Dear Eliana, Thanks for your question. Brachos (blessings) are recited on a number of special occasions. We recite brachos on natural phenomena like thunder and lightning, and upon seeing a rainbow. We recite brachos on […]
Dear Jew in the City, What is Zionism? Did it just start as a political movement 100 years ago or is it based more deeply on Jewish thought? Sincerely, Jessica – Dear Jessica, Thanks for your question. Zionism is the belief that Jews, just like other peoples, have the right to self-determination, specifically in their […]
Dear Jew in the City, How will we celebrate Pesach after Moshiach comes? Sincerely, Isaac Dear Isaac, Thanks for your question, though I wonder exactly what prompts it. I have two hypotheses, which I’ll address separately. It could be that you’re asking whether Pesach will still be a holiday when Moshiach comes. This is […]
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 […]
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, […]
