Dear Jew in the City, Why do Orthodox Jews wear big fur hats? Sincerely, Suzanne Dear Suzanne, Thanks for your question. I’m sure you are familiar with the children’s riddle, “Why do firemen wear red suspenders?” The answer, “To keep their pants up,” only addresses why firemen wear suspenders. The question one should have asked […]
People can be quick to judge Chassidic Jews. Many people only see the external trappings of members of my community, such as beards, payos, and long dresses. But I want to give you a taste of how being Chassidic is much more than our cultural facade — it’s being able to connect to the Super […]
A group consisting of about 150 Orthodox Jews were traveling to Hungary on the evening of May 4 for the yahrtzeit (anniversary of his passing) of Reb Shayala of Kerestir and refused boarding on their connecting Lufthansa flight in Frankfurt. The chilling reason why? “It’s Jews from JFK.” According to Dan’s Deals, Lufthansa informed “the group […]
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski z”l was a Hasidic rabbi, psychiatrist and mental health and substance abuse expert who authored over sixty books and made a lasting impact on the wider world. He died January 31, 2021, at age 90. He was one of the first born-and-bred Hasidic Jews to attend medical school, at a time when […]
I perch my son on the counter. I spritz some mousse onto his peyos, and holding it, deftly twist it into a perfect curl. It’s his first day of cheder (pre-school), and I’m so emotional. I insert a crisp bill into the tzedakah box, and with tears sparkling on my lashes I pray. “Please, Hashem help […]
