Dear Jew in the City- Since the election, it is clear that both political sides doubt each other’s integrity. It made me think about the requirements for Jewish leaders according to Torah. What kind of qualities did leaders have to have to sit on the Sanhedrin or be a judge? Thank you, Steve Dear Steve- […]

Dear JITC- What are some possible ways the Covid pandemic might affect fasting on Yom Kippur this year? If I have symptoms, if I’ve been exposed, if I’m sick, if I’m higher risk, if I’m the ba’al tefillah, etc? Sincerely, Avi Dear Avi- Thanks for your question. As you are probably aware, all mitzvos in […]

Dear Jew in the City- Is there religious significance if someone dies on Rosh Hashana or Erev Rosh Hashana? -Josh Dear Josh- Thanks for your question, which I assume was motivated by Justice Ginsburg’s passing. A lot of people online are saying that it’s a sign of righteousness. The rationale underlying this is that a […]

Dear Jew in the City- Why do we ask God to remember us on Rosh Hashanah? It’s not like God forgets things. Thanks, Eitan Dear Eitan- Thanks for your question, though my reply will probably have less to do with Rosh Hashana than you were expecting. It has more to do with grammar. Obviously, we […]

Dear JITC- There’s a woman in my community who I used to be pretty friendly with. Then something changed. She’s not mean to me, but she seems to be keeping her distance even as I try to continue to reach out to her. As we approach the High Holidays, I’m thinking about making amends with […]

Dear JITC- How do we deal with blowing a shofar during a pandemic that spreads through viral droplets? Thank you, Ryan Dear Ryan- I’m glad you asked this question because it’s something that has concerned me literally for months. Unfortunately, the reason it concerned me was because, as you say, blowing a shofar spreads droplets […]