Dear Jew in the City- With a spot opening up the Supreme Court, abortion is in the news a lot these days. This got me thinking – is Judaism pro-life, pro-choice or some combination? All the best, Ruby Dear Ruby- Sometimes they’ll ask me to field a question and I’ll decline on the basis that […]
Dear Jew in the City- I know a woman who believes because of kol Yisrael arevim zeh l’zeh (all Jews are responsible for one another) she should approach any Jewish person – a stranger even – and tell them what they’re doing wrong. This seems so outrageous to me and against Judaism but I’m curious, […]
Dear JITC- I’ve heard that, after Moshiach comes, Tisha b’Av will become a day of joy and that the only holidays we will celebrate will be Purim and Chanukah. Is that true? Can you tell me more about that? Thank you, Zach Dear Zach- That’s a great question. In fact, that’s two great questions! Believe […]
Hey Jew in the City- I’ve heard people say that modesty is just for a specific time and place, i.e., based on the times you’re living in. If that’s true, why do we still have to follow it? Best, Madison Dear Madison- Thanks for your question. I would say that “time and place” thing works […]
Dear JITC- Why do Jewish men wear hats? All the best, Carla Dear Carla- Thanks for your question. It has been asked before: A man asked his rabbi, “Why do Jewish men wear hats?” The rabbi replied, “Because our forefather Abraham wore them.” “How do you know that?” the man inquired. “The Torah says, ‘And […]
Dear Jew in the City- Two people have told me that July 4, 1776 was on the 17th of Tammuz. Wikipedia confirms this. Does that indicate something negative about America? Sincerely, J.S. Dear J.S.- Thanks for your question. Rav Salman Mutzafi (a student of the Ben Ish Chai and the author of Siddur HaRashash), Rav […]
