The nine days are upon us, a period that comes with a strong intention to look inward and examine who we are, and how we can be better people to merit our eternal redemption. (No pressure). In all seriousness, Tisha B’Av is the culmination of the three week mourning period, where we grieve over the […]
Dear Jew in the City- Are Orthodox Jews allowed to marry their cousins? Thanks, P.J. Dear P.J.- Thanks for your question. Before I discuss the Torah’s viewpoint, I’d like to debunk some misconceptions about “cousin marriage,” AKA consanguinity. From the fact that you asked the question, I infer that you are either looking for […]
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 […]
Hi JITC- Why do Orthodox Jews tend to marry at a younger age? Thank you, Alec Dear Alec- We’re going to be able to keep this one short and sweet because it’s pretty straightforward for a change. The reason Orthodox Jews tend to marry at a younger age is because they’re normal. Jewish law doesn’t […]
Dear Jew in the City- Does Orthodox Judaism believe that marriages should have romance? Thank you, Olivia Dear Olivia- My wife and I have a friend we’ve known for about three decades. While she’s now the wife of a well-known local rabbi, we met her as a college student going through all the usual dating […]
