Dear Jew in the City, Is there an obligation from a Jewish law perspective to defend the land of Israel in battle? If so, why is there a large group that refuses to fight? Sincerely, Edith   Dear Edith, Thanks for your question, which is more timely than you may realize. (In fact, it’s so […]

Dear Jew in the City,  Jewish voices have long been active in civil rights movements and efforts to stand with the underdog. What sources in Jewish text or tradition do you think have most inspired this deep commitment to justice and solidarity? Sincerely,  Kenneth Dear Kenneth, Thanks for your question. I struggled very briefly with […]

The world’s most popular podcast featured a guest in a yarmulke. And he wasn’t there to talk about Judaism. He was there to talk about anxiety, and why it might not be something to fear. “How can I set up an appointment with him?” “What a sincere gentleman and scholar.” Those were just two of […]

Dear Jew in the City, With the recent Donald Trump/Elon Musk spat dominating headlines, what guidance does Jewish wisdom offer about how to argue passionately without crossing a line? How can we disagree better/respectfully, especially in such a polarized world? Sincerely, Kate   Dear Kate, Thanks for your question. I’ll share some thoughts on disagreeing, […]

Last week we married off our daughter, our eldest, to a wonderful young man, in the hills of Jerusalem. The groom, like our daughter, chose to leave the place he was born and return to our ancestral homeland. He chose to bravely serve his land. Even though it is only days after the wedding, he […]

Dear Jew in the City, With all the international attention on Israel’s war with Hamas, I’ve been hearing a lot of debate—both within the Jewish world and beyond—about whether Israel is obligated to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Some argue that as Jews, we’re commanded to help all people, even our enemies. Others say that […]