For many years during the Passover seder I have struggled with how to handle “the wicked son.” We are told that there are four sons: wise, wicked, simple and one who doesn’t know how to ask. Says the hagaddah: “What does the wicked son say? ‘What does this ritual mean to you?’ To you and […]
The qualities that foster independence are often the qualities that keep us apart from each other. Fostering our own personality, our individuality often creates divisiveness. So how do we create unity? How do we build community from individuals? We are currently experiencing this. It is no secret that leading up to October 7, Israel was […]
No matter what part of the world you found yourself in on Saturday night, you can now bear witness to an open miracle. 99% accuracy when defending against over 300 projectiles is not supposed to be possible. The hand of God was with us and all of our allies that night. Sitting in my Jerusalem […]
Dear Jew in the City, How will we celebrate Pesach after Moshiach comes? Sincerely, Isaac Dear Isaac, Thanks for your question, though I wonder exactly what prompts it. I have two hypotheses, which I’ll address separately. It could be that you’re asking whether Pesach will still be a holiday when Moshiach comes. This is […]
Jews and Hindus may seem like worlds apart but the similarities between both cultures may surprise you. Rabbi Abramowitz recently tackled this question on the site, speaking about many similarities between our patriarchs, matriarchs and other notable people from the Torah and their gods. One of those points is about Avraham. In Genesis 17:5 he […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is there an obligation from a Jewish law perspective to defend the land of Israel in battle? If so, why is there a large group that refuses to fight? Sincerely, Edith Dear Edith, Thanks for your question, which is more timely than you may realize. (In fact, it’s so […]
