Dear jew in the City, What is the source and meaning for “he who is compassionate to the cruel will be cruel to the compassionate?” Sincerely, Joseph Dear Joseph, Thanks for your question. Are you familiar with Godwin’s law? Godwin’s law is an internet principle which states that as an online discussion grows longer, […]
Dear Jew in the City, Why aren’t Jewish people, who are supposed to be “a light to the nations,” obligated to treat non-Jews the same as they treat fellow Jews? Sincerely, Eileen Dear Eileen, Thanks for your question. (Actually, this question was submitted in the comment section of a different article. I thought it was […]
Dear Jew in the City, Is there anything we can look to within Jewish sources to understand the blood libel accusations against Jews when Jews uniquely value life? Sincerely, Samuel Dear Samuel, Thanks for your question. The short answer is no. The longer answer is also no. Jewish sources are great for explaining why […]
Dear Jew in the City, Recently, you referenced a relationship between Jews and Hindus. Can you please expand on that? Sincerely, Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thanks for your question. That was in the article on Jewish-Muslim relations. What I wrote there was, “Avraham had other children, with his second wife, Keturah (who may or may not […]
Dear Jew in the City, Up until now, Jews of our generation lived in a bubble, mostly insulated from overwhelming Jew hatred that has always permeated society. Now that the mask is off, we better understand what our ancestors experienced. How did they cope? How did they find joy and hope in a world where […]
As we start reading the Torah anew, we remember that Rav Kook once wrote that God left the world unfinished so that we could partner with Him to complete creation. Many Orthodox Jews wear black and white, but really there is so much color and creativity behind the scenes. You won’t believe what these Orthodox […]
