Blogarama: The Oldest Blog Directory

Chanukah is the Festival of Lights and it holds a lot of power. When one sees somebody else’s light we see hope and promise and this leads to Berachos (blessings), and this leads to ho… Read More

Dear Jew in the City, As I get older, it gets hard to stay up all night long on Shavuos to learn. So am I obligated to? And where does this idea come from? Sincerely, So Tired Dear So Tir… Read More

Tam knew it was hard for the poor among the Jewish community found it hard to gather the materials needed to build   the walls of their succahs and it was always a problem. So ever… Read More

Dear Jew in the City, I read the Mike Pence doesn’t have meals alone with women who are not his wife or drink in mixed company. What’s the Orthodox Jewish approach to this topic… Read More

Dear Jew in the City, The month of Elul is a beautiful concept, but can be hard to relate to. What do I do actionably in Elul? What should we be trying to accomplish pre-high holidays? Best… Read More

Dear JITC – What is Hoshana Rabbah? Why are we beating willow branches? Thanks, Jason Dear Jason- Thanks for your question. The answer boils down to the Oral Law. The Oral Law is an in… Read More

The snow and wind blew while sounds of celebration were heard from outside the wooden synagogue. It was the eve of the secular New Year’s. Many men were gathered around tables studying… Read More

Reading the news can be depressing, but for every negative story about the Chasidic community, there is an uplifting one to be found. I feel fortunate that mine is among the positive. Born i… Read More

Dear Jew in the City- What’s the meaning of blowing the shofar and why are there different shofar sounds? Sincerely, Jessica P. Dear Jessica- Very often, to answer a question, I’… Read More

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”… Read More

Dear Jew in the City- I just don’t feel Jewishly inspired. What can I do? Thank you, Jackson Dear Jackson- Thanks for your question, though I don’t think it necessarily plays to… Read More

Guest Post by Anonymous A few days ago I woke up, and it hit me: the Death of Moshiach ben Yosef. The gemara in Succah (52a) is the only place in Sha's that talks about Moshiach ben… Read More

Dear JITC- Are women allowed to play instruments in front of men? Thank you, Shiri Dear Shiri- Thanks for your question. Women playing an instrument – in particular, the tambourine &nd… Read More

Dear JITC- In Netflix’s “Unorthodox,” the husband, Yanky, makes a comment to his soon to be wife, Esty, indicating that a woman would never play an instrument in front of m… Read More

Dear JITC- Are hobbies allowed according to halacha? Thanks, Margaux Dear Margaux- Thanks for your question. I assume your starting point is the statement of the Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh Deah… Read More

Dear Jew in the City- How can I get the most air circulation in my sukkah this year? We are considering having company since outdoor socialization seems safer now. What’s the least amo… Read More

Dear JITC- I was told by my rabbi that the fifth book of the Shulchan Aruch is seichel, but what sources tell us that we should use seichel (our common sense)? Thanks, Malky Dear Malky- If y… Read More

Dear Jew in the City- I’ve heard people say that the Torah was lost in Jewish history and then found, either in the time of Ezra or Josiah. Is this true or are they trying to discredit… Read More

We haven’t gone anywhere. The Gerson Digital Content Strategies staff is enjoying our annual month of vacations, beginning with Rosh HaShana and ending with Simchat Torah. But, even wh… Read More

Dear Jew in the City, Why is Sukkot the holiday of happiness over other holidays? Best, Raphael Dear Raphael, Thanks for your question. Let’s assume you were jaded and cynical. I know… Read More

Dear Jew in the City, Is this Hamas war the war of Gog and Magog? How will we recognize it? Sincerely, David Thanks for your question, David. First, let’s address what the war of Gog… Read More