Dear Jew in the City- Elul is supposed to be a time of introspection, but so many of us have already been introspective during this giant time out. What does that mean practically to search one’s heart and come close to God right now? -Chana Dear Chana, I have to be honest that, when I […]

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 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 […]