Rabbi Jack Abramowitz has spent his career helping people find meaning in living a Torah life. His articles on the Orthodox Union’s website, OUTorah.org, as well as here on Jew in the City, consistently draw on relatable ways to give context to tough topics. His seventh book, Ask Rabbi Jack, features the Ask Rabbi Jack […]

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. – […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]