About

Mission Statement

Unfortunately, most non-Orthodox Jews and non-Jews have a very negative perception of Orthodox Jews and Judaism. When they think of Orthodoxy, they think things like backwards, repressed, outdated, sexist, and anti-scientific. Scandals that reinforce these misconceptions hit the papers all too often. Popular movies, books, and TV shows repeat negative stereotypes about religious Jewish people and their lifestyles. (The hole in the sheet, anyone?)

This is the battle that Jew in the City has been fighting for the last four years. Through YouTube videos, blogs, Q&A's, and articles in traditional print media, Jew in the City (through its founder, Allison Josephs and a group of volunteers) publicizes the message that Orthodox Jews can be funny, approachable, educated, pro-women and open-minded—and that Orthodox Judaism links the Jewish people to a deep and beautiful heritage that is just as relevant today as it ever was.

About Our Founder and Director

Allison Josephs was raised as a proud Conservative Jew in a small town in Northern New Jersey, but due to a childhood existential crisis, she spent years searching for the meaning of life. At the end of high school Allison started looking into Judaism more deeply and saw that there was tremendous depth and beauty within Orthodox Judaism, but realized that it was an option that so few Jewish people ever consider, as public opinion of Orthodox Jews is so negative.

Allison has been involved in the field of Jewish Outreach for over a dozen years, teaching and lecturing,  working at Partners in Torah, Sinai Retreats, and NCSY, and is spiritual mentor to actress Mayim Bialik.

Allison has been interviewed on television and radio; her articles have appeared in numerous publications including the Washington Times, The Jewish Press, and World Jewish Digest. She has also written articles and directed and produced videos for Aish.com and lectures around the country and on WebYeshiva. She received her Bachelor in Arts from Columbia University in Philosophy and lives with her husband and four children minutes from the George Washington Bridge.

What People Are Saying About JITC

People are learning and becoming observant due to Jew in the City:

I have to tell you something about your video about headcovering--my husband and I had decided that we wanted to move towards more observance, but hadn't really taken any big steps. And then I saw your video and it made such perfect sense; I started covering my hair full-time, and that one mitzvah has snowballed to tzniut, Shabbat, taharat hamishpacha, having a kosher kitchen. And it all started with your video and covering my hair so that it would be only for my husband.
-Michelle

I love your site. You have deeply affected my life and helped me become more observant. Thank you so much. I can't wait until your next episode!
-Jaclyn S.

The road to JITC has been an incredible one. I was raised in a non-kosher, conservative jewish home as a "3 day" Jew. I thank you for rekindling my faith, as I have become more observant, daven with tefillin, and now practice regularly!
-anon

After seeing your Shabbat video I was very inspired to keep observing today, instead of skipping a day and then two and so on...it's not an easy process, so thanks!
-Galit

Honestly you have changed the way I look at Orthodox people, I used to think they were so much different, weirdly enough! And I kinda secretly (like no one knows this) but I feel like I'd want to be more religious when grow up.
-R.

Whew! You have really opened my eyes to a lot. I am actually going to start studying with my local rebbetzin. Much of that has to do with you.
-Barri

Your blog has such value. You are a huge positive influence for me becoming observant. You make it accessible.
-Hannah

Helping non-observant family members better understand and accept the ba'alei teshuva in the family

I love Jew In The City!!! I'm a senior college student with a secular family and a very religious sister. I've been sending JITC episodes to my dad and aunt to help them better understand my sister's Jewish decision. Thanks for tackling things that can be really tough to explain!
-Mary

I am so happy I found JITC, not only is it hilarious, it has also sincerely strengthened the relationship between me and my mother. I have recently become observant. Its been difficult to explain to my parents why I love Judaism & why I choose to follow certain laws now, however, JITC has been a great medium of explaining the Jewish faith that we never truly understood. JITC, you're doing a great mitzvah!
-Will

Don't tell my ba'al teshuva sister that I watch your videos to try to understand her better, it might give her a big head haha
-Tammy

Encouraging those who left observance to come back

I tend to have a hard time hearing ‘the laws’ and the ‘shoulds’ and the ‘musts’..but I have to say, your wit and humor in getting these messages across got me listening..I watched every video on Youtube and immensely enjoyed each one. Looking forward to more of your stuff..thanks for doing the ‘Work’ you are doing; Jew in the City.. is definitely on to something BIG.
-Mindy

I'm a formerly Orthodox person who is now sorta...nothing and seeing your videos does make me more open to Shabbos dinners with family and trying to keep kosher again. Keep up the great work!
-Elke

Giving already observant strength to continue observing

Love your videos (especially the one about hair covering) - can't wait for more! I often feel like a fish out of water covering my hair here in a city where there are only a few frum families - your video gave me chizuk to continue!
-Elisheva

Rabbinic Approval

Allison Josephs, founder and director of Jew in the City, is a bright new star in the Orthodox world. Her enthusiasm for Torah living is infectious. I’ve consistently been impressed with the way she handles and explains some of the most sensitive topics within Orthodoxy, like family planning, homosexuality, conversions, and more.
-Rabbi Weil, Executive Director of the OU

I just wanted to say that you are doing an incredible job! Keep up your amazing work! I just posted your website on my facebook!
-Rabbi Avraham Lehr, Chabad rabbi of the Chai Center

Allison Josephs, founder and director of Jew in the City, has an unusual gift of an ability to explain and clarify Torah concepts analytically yet humorously, genuinely yet non- threateningly, deeply yet refreshingly, and perhaps most important of all, non-apologetically. She has created an entire niche through her online posts and videos. Though Jew in the City's mission is to break down stereotypes about Orthodox Jews to the non-Orthodox Jewish world, I personally believe that the Orthodox world can also greatly benefit from Jew in the City: the Modern Orthodox, the unlabeled uninspired Orthodox Jew, and even, and perhaps especially, Yeshiva and Bais Yaakov students and graduates who do not really understand what they are doing. Her work is remarkably good, and my hope is that she continues writing these posts and making these videos, as they are undoubtedly helping many people, helping the Jewish people, and creating a Kiddush HaShem.
-Rabbi Chaim Malinowitz, editor of the Artscroll Talmud