Hey JITC- Rivka got engaged at three years old? How are we supposed to understand this? Best, Emily Dear Emily- Thanks for your question. I’m gratified that you said “engaged” rather than married because that’s a huge difference. The idea that Rivka was three is not the only opinion but it’s been popularized because it’s […]

Hey Jew in the City- Was the Golem real? Have any been attempted since the Maharal? What’s the source for this? Thanks, Frankie Dear Frankie- Thanks for your question. This is one of those areas where I feel that, for many people, I’m not the right person to answer their question. On the other hand, for […]

Dear JITC- I once spoke to an Orthodox Jew who told me that he didn’t have to report abuse because there is no source for molestation being prohibited in the Torah. Why isn’t it sourced explicitly? How do we understand that it is indeed wrong according to Judaism? Best, J.A.   Dear J.A.- Wow. There […]

Dear Jew in the City- I know that “honoring your father and mother” is a major imperative in Judaism, and I take it seriously. But what about when parents are unreasonable or harmful to their children? In my case, my parents have distanced themselves from the rest of our extended family, for reasons of pride […]

Dear Jew in the City- There are so many delicious foods on the Yom Tov table and so much of them! What does Judaism say about overeating? Good Yom Tov, Kosher Foodie   Dear Foodie- Thanks for your question. Maimonides in Hilchos Deios discusses the path of moderation. This is the approach that Judaism takes in […]

Hello Jew in the City- I relate to praying as something that I must do three times a day. While, whenever I think about it, I conclude that Hashem IS in control (at least to a large degree), but I do not truly believe that Hashem listens to my praying. As such, saying tehilim or otherwise davening for something […]