Dear Jew in the City- Is there a Jewish equivalent of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)? Can we celebrate or acknowledge those who have died together outside of their individual yahrtzeits or yizkor? Thanks, Maya Dear Maya- Thanks for your question. No, we don’t have a day like Dia de los […]

Dear JITC- Mayim Bialik just mentioned cholent on Jeopardy. What is it and why do Jews eat it? Thank you, A Dear A- Thanks for your question. Cholent is a form of stew traditionally eaten at the Shabbos afternoon meal. The reason for it is comparable to the reason for lighting Shabbos candles. Exodus 35:3 […]

Dear Jew in the City- What are shmittah and yovel? Thank you, Shira Dear Shira- Thanks for your question, which I assume was inspired by the fact that this year (Hebrew year 5782) is a shmittah year. Shmittah is a rest for the land of Israel once every seven years, just as Shabbos is a […]

Dear Jew in the City- Many people enjoy looking at rainbows. I know it’s meant to be considered a sign that we are supposed to repent. Are we allowed to enjoy them (or tell others about them)? Thanks, Darcy Dear Darcy- Thanks for your question. The rainbow is the topic of Genesis 9:12-16, following Noah’s […]

Hi JITC- Can I cover my sukkah if it rains? I heard there is something called schlach? Thanks, Aidel Dear Aidel- Thanks for your question. You’ve created a portmanteau of two words. Schach is a mass noun (i.e., a thing whose discrete components are not counted); the roof of your succah is made from schach. […]

Dear Jew in the City- Is secular education permitted according to Jewish law? Do parents have any responsibility according to Judaism to give their children the knowledge to be able to make a living and get around in the world? Thank you, Rebecca Dear Rebecca- Thanks for your question. I think that I – and […]