When you put yourself online in a public way, you open yourself up to haters, trolls, and lots of other nasty stuff. Thank God, mean emails and comments about Jew in the City don't come in too frequently, and I've managed to increase the thickness of my skin over the years for when they do. But even so, every now and again, something is posted that gets me down. Which is upsetting, because I've only put myself out there like this in order to bring good things to the Jewish people and the world.
After seeing an especially nasty comment recently, I had a realization which helped me to better deal with the naysayers of the world. Even Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses, our teacher) had haters. I'm referring to Korach's rebellion. An episode recounted in the Torah where a guy named Korach and his buddy Aviram challenged Moshe's authority, and organized a bunch of people to turn against Moshe. What's the lesson here? You could be appointed by God Himself, and you will STILL face dissent.
You could have open miracles showing that God supports you and STILL people will question what you do, who you are, why it is YOU up there (and not them). Once I realized this, I felt so much better. I will never please everybody, no matter how hard I try, no matter how good my intentions are. One of the lessons of Korach's rebellion is that as long as there are leaders, there will be haters.
Since I am not on Moshe Rebbeinu's level, God will not smite my foes by splitting open the ground and having the earth swallow them up, so instead, I decided perhaps I can temper some of the negativity that is out there by letting the world know all the good the Jew in the City is accomplishing.
Therefore, we have recently added a new section to the About page, where you can read some of the nice things people are saying about Jew in the City. (Just scroll down and be nice!) 
Yes it’s a tough world out there. I love the new section on the About page! Good for you Allison…keep up your great work!
xo
Sharon
Posted by Fashion-isha on January 19, 2012 at 4:45 am
That’s a great lesson! I can’t believe anyone would say mean things to you – you’re so kind and good humored! Anyone leaving you nasty comments clearly spends their spare time kicking puppies and taking candy from children.
Posted by Elisabeth on January 19, 2012 at 5:34 am
There’s always that old wise saying,”I am made of rubber. You are made of glue. Whatever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you.”
Flora
New Orleans
Posted by flora on January 19, 2012 at 6:54 pm
I guess when God starts smiting your foes, we’ll know you’ve reached the pinnacle of spiritual elevation. Blech. Can’t tell you how depressing I find it that Jewish spirituality is communicated in such a way in this day and age. Wish you’d keep it to yourself.
Posted by Amy on January 23, 2012 at 1:17 pm
Well done for putting yourself out there !!
Peoples nasty comments are their own – if you make a conscious decision not to take them upon yourself then they’re not yours
Posted by LDDecoline on January 23, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Thanks for your comment, Amy. Perhaps my sarcasm wasn’t clear to everyone – I was just making a joke. I don’t want God to smite my enemies – even the really mean ones. I was just referencing the Korach story. Just to clarify, we don’t believe that reward and punishment happens in such simple terms in this day and age.
Posted by Allison on January 24, 2012 at 5:41 am
My bad then. Thanks for clarifying, Allison. Yet in some Orthodox/Conservadox circlues, unfortunately, it’s not far-fetched to find Biblical story or midrash or other commentary used in the way it seemed you were using it here. (For instance, one of my favorite unfavorites is the one about “Jacob was punished via Dina’s rape”! What an enlightened teaching to pass on, don’t you think? (Now I’m using sarcasm). Yet I heard it at a Bar Mitzvah as part of the teaching. (Incidentally, it is completely arguable that she wasn’t raped, but that’d be a whole other discussion….)
Posted by Amy on January 26, 2012 at 1:04 pm
thank you for your posts and your blog. Your writings have had a big influence on me becoming more observant, including keeping Shabbat and me going to Mikvah. These have added meaning to the lives of me and my family. Thank you!
Posted by kelsi on February 1, 2012 at 4:54 am
I am not kosher, not conservative and not even Jewish but I find posts like this one inspiring and grounding. Your authentic honesty and pure truths keep me coming back time and again. Please keep posting for your followers and fans. And maybe even for the haters too.
Posted by Wendy on February 2, 2012 at 10:15 am
I find it hard to believe people would complain about what you say on your own personal site that they have chosen to read! Sheesh. If you don’t like what someone’s saying move along.
I don’t know many in the Orthodox community and I love to read your articles. I don’t always understand but I find your words elevating and sincere.
Posted by kim on February 10, 2012 at 4:26 am