Dear Jew in the City- What’s the history of Selichos? Why did it come about? Best, Mark Dear Mark- Thanks for your question. As far as the liturgy goes, Selichos are fairly contemporary. By that I mean that they are measured in mere centuries, rather than millennia. Some of the prayers we recite, like Shema, […]
Dear Jew in the City, I know that suicide is technically prohibited in the Torah, but what about people with mental illness? Is ALL suicide prohibited equally? Does Jewish law consider mental illness a justification for suicide? How do we reconcile the Torah’s prohibition of suicide with our modern understanding of mental health? Thanks, C.S. […]
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, I heard recently that an Orthodox rabbi said that Israeli soldiers are allowed to rape women in war. Is this true? If is, it is horribly upsetting! How could that be part of Judaism? Thank you, D.L. Dear D.L., You’re referring to something that the new candidate for chief rabbi […]
Dear Jew in the City, Jewish voices have long been active in civil rights movements and efforts to stand with the underdog. What sources in Jewish text or tradition do you think have most inspired this deep commitment to justice and solidarity? Sincerely, Kenneth Dear Kenneth, Thanks for your question. I struggled very briefly with […]
Dear Jew in the City, With the recent Donald Trump/Elon Musk spat dominating headlines, what guidance does Jewish wisdom offer about how to argue passionately without crossing a line? How can we disagree better/respectfully, especially in such a polarized world? Sincerely, Kate Dear Kate, Thanks for your question. I’ll share some thoughts on disagreeing, […]
