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What Jewish Sources Give Us Permission to Question?

Dear Jew in the City- As a child, my questions were silenced. I was told to just believe and not question. As I have gotten older, I have met Orthodox Jews who encourage questioning. But I’m still not sure it’s ok. What sources give us permission to question? Thanks, Chaya M. Dear Chaya M. – […]

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Do Parents Have Any Obligations to Their Children According to Judaism?

Dear Jew in the City- Judaism requires children to have certain obligations towards their parents with honoring one’s mother and father. Do parents have any obligations to their children? Thanks, RR Dear RR- Thanks very much for your question. While it seems rather straightforward, I suspect from your juxtaposition to the obligation of honoring parents […]

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Should I Say a Blessing on the Covid-19 Vaccine?

Dear JITC- I never said a blessing on another vaccine. Why are people saying one now? Thanks, Rochie Dear Rochie- Thanks for your question. Before we discuss the possibility of reciting a bracha upon receiving the vaccination for COVID-19, I’d like to address some principles of brachos generally. The fact that we recite brachos is […]

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Are Jews Allowed To Consume Biblical Content Made By Christians?

Dear JITC- Am I allowed to watch content created for Christian audiences i.e., show my kids Veggie Tales? What about purchasing decor with Bible quotes that say “Psalms 20:5” underneath or “Let Go and Let God,” etc.? Some of this is clearly from Torah, but is there a problem with consuming these products? Thank you, […]

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What Jewish Sources Show Us That Hypocrisy Is Wrong?

Dear JITC- What Jewish sources show us that hypocrisy is wrong? Thank you, Dave Dear Dave- I have to say, I really like this question. And, unlike many other questions, I don’t think I’ve been asked this before. The easiest reply might be simply to cite Exodus 23:7, which enjoins us to distance ourselves from […]

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Is Kwanzaa A Holiday That Jews Can Celebrate?

Dear Jew in the City- I have a question that I’m hoping that you could guide me on– I’m Jewish– my mom is Sephardic and my dad is black. Given the political climate of the past year with racial reconciliation, I was thinking about Kwanzaa. Is this a holiday that Jews can celebrate? Is it […]

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