Editor’s note: After publishing this article, a reader asked us to clarify the following points: The article below is not attempting to discuss the modern day halachic understanding of the issue of child sexual abuse. In modern times, child sexual abuse is prohibited additionally given its devastating effects on its victims – depression, anxiety, PTSD, […]

Dear Jew in the City, How did Jewish law handle unjust governments in past eras and how does that apply to America in modern times? Sincerely, Sam   Dear Sam, I’m going to be honest, I’ve sat on this question longer than I’d normally like. I kept kicking it down the road because I didn’t […]

Dear Jew in the City, Are there any Torah sources that address PTSD and how to deal with it?  Sincerely, Hindy Dear Hindy, Thanks for your question. For sure, the Torah doesn’t mention PTSD by name because the term “posttraumatic stress disorder” didn’t appear until 1980, in the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical […]

Dear Jew in the City, Were the Jews forced to accept the Torah? It was literally held over our heads and could seem to be given in such a way where we had no choice but to accept it. Sincerely, Simon   Dear Simon, Thanks for your question. Let’s explain it. Exodus 19:17 says that […]

Dear Jew in the City, Why do the curses given on Har Eval soooo outnumber the blessings given on Har Gerizim? Why is there so much cursing in the Torah? Sincerely, Mo Dear Mo, Thanks for your question. I have a lot to say about it. First, the way you phrased the question “Why is […]