Dear Jew in the City, I just saw that there was a blood moon recently, and was wondering: is there any Jewish meaning to a blood moon? Sincerely, Jonathan Dear Jonathan, Thanks for one of the more interesting questions. Before answering, I think we should first make sure that everyone knows what a “blood […]
We live in a time when public perception of all Jews, and observant Jews in particular, is shaped by misinformation and misunderstanding, specially in entertainment and the media. In fact, according to the recent JITC/Norman Lear Center study, Orthodox Jews are often othered and dehumanized in media. “Centered: Joe Lieberman” arrives as the antidote to […]
Last week, we learned that Jewish babies — the Bibas boys — could be murdered in cold blood, and countless people around the world would justify it. It’s just like the Holocaust, when much of the world seemed to turn a blind eye to antisemitism, or straight up approve of it. Despite the fact that […]
Growing up as a secular American girl in the 80s, I dreamed of a handsome prince/Patrick Dempsey lookalike who would sweep me off my feet to live happily ever after, like all the books and movies I had been raised on. Unfortunately, my dating experiences in high school, college, and then as a young professional […]
Dear Jew in the City- What’s the difference between Hasidic vs. Orthodox Jews? What about the Jews on Shtisel vs. Hasidic Jews? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael- Thanks for your question. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I haven’t seen (and have no plans to see) Shtisel, so I can’t address that. But I can address […]
Dear Jew in the City, Are Orthodox Jews allowed to consume alcohol? Thanks, Sam Dear Sam, Thanks for your question, though I really wonder what prompted it. Anyone even passingly familiar with Jewish ritual life would be aware that wine plays a regular role in it. We usher Shabbos in and out with kiddush and havdalah […]
