Hi JITC- What is the point of inviting these guests to our sukkah? Thanks, Max Dear Max- Thanks for your question. I see from the subject line of your message that “these guests” refers not to your corporeal yom tov guests but to the Ushpizin. “Ushpizin” is an Aramaic word that means guests. Aramaic is […]

Dear Jew in the City- Why do we read the book of Koheles on Sukkos? Sincerely, Ariella Dear Ariella- Thanks for your question. Tanach, the Jewish Bible, includes five megillos (scrolls), which are read on various occasions. The most famous (and obvious) of these is the book of Esther, which tells the story of Purim […]

Sukkos is nearly here and if you’re like us, you just started putting up everything you’ll need to enjoy the holiday. We’re excited to try out some new lighting, bringing our celebration to a whole new level of illumination. Here are some brand new lighting ideas to take your sukkah from night to bright for […]

Dear Rebbetzin Chaya- I feel embarrassed to be wearing the same kippah as so many other Jews who make such a bad impression during Yeshiva break or Chol Hamoed. I see people cutting other people off, parking terribly, pushing in line, being rude to amusement park or museum staff or visitors or the non-Jews on […]

Book World’s Hot New Fantasy Author is an Orthodox Jew With a Magical Shtetl Orthodox Jewish author Rena Rossner initially set her debut novel, “The Sisters of the Winter Wood,” in a random forest town in 19th century French Christendom. It was her third outing as an author — her first two unpublished novels were […]

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 […]