Dear JITC- There’s a woman in my community who I used to be pretty friendly with. Then something changed. She’s not mean to me, but she seems to be keeping her distance even as I try to continue to reach out to her. As we approach the High Holidays, I’m thinking about making amends with […]
Dear JITC- How do we deal with blowing a shofar during a pandemic that spreads through viral droplets? Thank you, Ryan Dear Ryan- I’m glad you asked this question because it’s something that has concerned me literally for months. Unfortunately, the reason it concerned me was because, as you say, blowing a shofar spreads droplets […]
Hi JITC- I have heard some people say that when it comes to making a mistake, “impact not intention” is what counts. But is this a Jewish idea? -Sharon Dear Sharon- Thanks for your question. I think this goes to the greater question of the complicated interplay between actions and intentions. Do results count without […]
Dear Jew in the City- When did the Jewish community stop owning slaves? Is this something that petered out on its own or was there a point in history that it officially ended? Did the slave owners who owned slaves in the US follow halacha? Thanks, E.B. Dear E.B.- That’s a very interesting question. Let’s […]
Dear Jew in the City- I know we’re supposed to have emunah b’chachamim, but what if I experienced rabbis doing bad things? When do I have emunah and when can I question leadership? Thanks, D.J. Dear D.J.- Thanks for your question and sorry if you have had negative experiences. First, I’d like to clarify the […]
Dear Jew in the City- Moshiach hasn’t come for thousands of Tisha b’Avs so far. How do we not lose hope? Thanks, CM Dear CM- Thanks for your question. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Before I explain what I mean by that, a quick refresher on moshiach, culled from the Rambam’s […]
