Dear Jew in the City, Isn’t being honest and ethical part of a religious Jewish life? Sometimes I read about Orthodox Jews committing fraud. What does Judaism forbid, and why are people such hypocrites? Sincerely, Disillusioned and Disappointed Dear D & D- No doubt this question was motivated by the news in which seven “ultra-Orthodox” […]

Growing up in secular America, it was always a major event when they would broadcast The Ten Commandments on one of the major, primetime networks. Although I watched it on a television screen decades after it “played on the big screen, it still took my breath away – even as a child of the eighties, […]

Dear Jew in the City, What is the Torah view on Jewish people getting an autopsy? Sincerely, Mark   Dear Mark, Hmm. Interesting question. And honestly, we’re all surprised that this hasn’t come up before! The answer starts with condemned criminals. You see, the Torah commands that an executed felon has to be buried on […]

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 […]