Hi JITC- I have heard some people say that when it comes to making a mistake, “impact not intention” is what counts. But is this a Jewish idea? -Sharon Dear Sharon- Thanks for your question. I think this goes to the greater question of the complicated interplay between actions and intentions. Do results count without […]

Dear Jew in the City- When did the Jewish community stop owning slaves? Is this something that petered out on its own or was there a point in history that it officially ended? Did the slave owners who owned slaves in the US follow halacha? Thanks, E.B. Dear E.B.- That’s a very interesting question. Let’s […]

Dear Jew in the City- I know we’re supposed to have emunah b’chachamim, but what if I experienced rabbis doing bad things? When do I have emunah and when can I question leadership? Thanks, D.J. Dear D.J.- Thanks for your question and sorry if you have had negative experiences. First, I’d like to clarify the […]

Dear Jew in the City- Moshiach hasn’t come for thousands of Tisha b’Avs so far. How do we not lose hope? Thanks, CM Dear CM- Thanks for your question. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Before I explain what I mean by that, a quick refresher on moshiach, culled from the Rambam’s […]

Dear Jew in the City- Why do Orthodox Jewish women shave their heads? Thank you, Kylie Dear Kylie- Thanks for your question. To say that Orthodox Jewish women shave their heads is a huge generalization, and not a particularly accurate one. What the majority of Orthodox women do is cover their hair. The parameters of […]

Dear JITC- What is the Torah perspective on wearing a mask and social distancing? Thanks, Cory Dear Cory- That you should do it. Sincerely, Rabbi Jack Abramowitz Educational Correspondent Follow Ask Rabbi Jack on YouTube Editor’s Note: While Rabbi Abramowitz asked that we publish his response immediately and verbatim, and we agree that it is […]