For years, marriage was the farthest thing on my mind. I spent my twenties getting to know myself, the world and what life even was! When I hit my 30th, marriage started peeking its head through the window. I gave it some attention, thought about it and continued living my life with an occasional glimpse […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why does a Jewish couple get married under a chuppah? Sincerely, Ben Dear Ben, Thanks for your question. For the answer, let us turn to the Talmudic tractate of Kiddushin, which deals with the subject of marriage. The very first Mishnah tells us that marriage is effected through […]
“Intimacy education pioneer” and “cutting edge medical expert” are not words most people associate with Hasidic Jews, but then again, Rabbi Yitzchak Melber, originally from Monsey, is not your average Hasid. Raised Skverer, Rabbi Melber, who now resides in Israel, became a Chasan teacher when he was first married and discovered something troubling. There were many […]
Dear Jew in the City- What’s with the business of a man being “koneh” a woman and the way the girl’s father gives ownership to the husband with the kerchief at the wedding? Thank you, Z.C. Dear Z.C.- The first thing to know is that words don’t mean the same thing in all times, places […]
Over the last few years, there have been a number of high profile agunah cases in the media. While there is a certain shame in having the world know about your problems, there is also an added motivation to fix them. And fixing problems is the Jewish way. As more and more stories were being […]
Dear Jew in the City, Do Orthodox Jews Have Arranged Marriages? Does Jewish law allow this? Thank you, Alex Dear Alex – First, another question: What does “arranged marriage” mean? For that matter, what does “allowed” mean? Let’s assume “arranged marriage” doesn’t just mean a blind date. Does it mean two sets of parents agree […]
