Dear Jew in the City- Are two witnesses really required in order to report physical or sexual abuse? Thanks, Sara Dear Sara, Thanks for your question, though I legit have no idea what you’re talking about. The Torah says, “Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be executed based on the testimony of witnesses, but […]
Dear Jew in the City- Does the mitzvah of lo saamod al dam rei’echa mean we believe countries should stop Putin? Thanks, David Dear David, Thanks for your question. I think the first thing we need to do is define terms. “Lo saamod al dam rei’echa” means “You shall not stand idly by your fellow’s blood” […]
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- I read in The Atlantic that a bunch of religions, including Orthodox Jews, require a purity test, i.e., to check if the bride is a virgin. That is horrifying. Do Orthodox Jews really do this? Thanks, Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thanks for your question. I hadn’t read that, so I Googled […]
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- Should I throw out Chain Walder’s books? Thanks, Sara Dear Sara, For those who have been living in a cave for the past few months, Chaim Walder was a rabbi and therapist who wrote a number of acclaimed books that help kids address a variety of personal and emotional issues, including abuse. […]
