Note: April is both National Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness month. Since this article’s original printing two years ago, Magenu has made improvements to what they offer. There is now an entirely new children’s curriculum on their site and a new 7th-10th grade curriculum. The organization has expanded their reach — they’ve gone into […]

Dear Jew in the City- As a child, my questions were silenced. I was told to just believe and not question. As I have gotten older, I have met Orthodox Jews who encourage questioning. But I’m still not sure it’s ok. What sources give us permission to question? Thanks, Chaya M. Dear Chaya M. – […]

Dear Jew in the City- How do you balance Kibud Av v’Em when you’ve chosen a different path within Judaism than your family? Sincerely, B.T. Dear B.T.- No joke, this is literally the first “Ask Rabbi Jack” question I ever received, though I received it from the parent. Decades ago, on my very first day […]

As traditional media will tell you again and again, religious Jews who leave observance primarily do so because they are shrewder and more clever than their co-religionists. The community is mostly made up of patsies who can’t see past the theological garbage they’ve been indoctrinated by. But those of exceptional intelligence are able to free […]

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 […]