July 29th, 2010
Dear Allison,
I have really enjoyed reading all your articles and watching your videos -- they answer many questions (some that I didn't even know I had). One of the many things you're good at is explaining the idea of modesty within the Jewish tradition. I recently had a Sabbath meal with a somewhat famous rabbi from the most religious part of Jerusalem, and I mostly knew what to expect. But one thing caught me off guard -- the women didn't sing because it was considered immodest. I found that especially hard to grasp and confusing because I am a singer who is possibly interested in conversion. I thought that you could help to explain a bit about why this is, and if there are contexts that are different. This may be a decision between my future career and religion. Maybe some more information would help my decision.
Thank you!
KK
Continue reading Why Do Orthodox Jews Consider a Woman’s Singing Voice Immodest?
Tags: kol isha, Modesty, women singing
Posted in Modesty, Q&A, Women | Comments (3) »
June 28th, 2010
Dear Allison,
There are 613 Mitzvot which is a lot of rules to follow (although not all apply at this time). What happens if you break a mitzvah, e.g. you ate a bacon sandwhich? Would that mean that there's no point in you following that specific mitzvah any more because you've already disobeyed it and God gives you marks out of 613? Or are you allowed to break them, but you have to try to not break them in the future and God looks at what you did for the majority of the time? And also - are the Mitzvot supposed to benefit you in this life or after you die?...Hope that's not too many questions!
Thank you,
Lucy
Continue reading How Many Chances Do You Get When it Comes to a Mitzvah?
Posted in Philosophy, Q&A | Comments (3) »
May 20th, 2010
Dear Jew in the City,
I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but do you really think that just because you abstain from eating pork and the animal is killed in a certain fashion that brings you real closeness to God? Jesus said that nothing from the outside can make you "unclean," only your inner thoughts and actions.
Sincerely,
Tim
Continue reading Do You Really Believe that Not Eating Pork Brings You Closer to God?
Tags: Christianity, Kosher
Posted in Kosher, Q&A | Comments (8) »
April 28th, 2010
Dear Allison,
My life used to be on a trajectory very similar to the one yours took. I was raised as a Conservative Jew and, as a teenager, was enchanted by the spiritual and intellectual depth of Orthodox Judaism. My would-be journey was abruptly cut short, though, when I realized that I was gay, and that if I lived in an Orthodox community I would be forced to live as half a person -- alone without the love or intimacy of long-term commitment that is as essential to the soul as food and water are to the body. I chose love and intimacy in the secular world over spiritual death in the Orthodox world.
I am obviously not alone. Countless gay Jews have abandoned Orthodox Judaism because of its attitude towards homosexuality. And who can blame them? Would you remain Orthodox if the Torah prescribed you loneliness and celibacy? Would you remain in your community if it blessed and celebrated commitments between gay Jews while forbidding your love for your husband? When will the Orthodox world offer a sincerely empathetic response to the suffering of its gay members (not one that denies their existence or condemns them to misery)?
For me and every other gay person I know, these questions are inextricable from our (frequently negative) opinions of Orthodox Judaism.
Respectfully yours,
K.L.
Continue reading How Can You Be an Orthodox Jew Considering Its Position on Homosexuality?
Posted in Myths, Q&A, Relationships | Comments (24) »
March 10th, 2010
Dear Jew in the City,
I live in Hollywood, California, and here there is a community full of Orthodox Jews with beards and everything. I was wondering where do they work? How do they make money? I have never seen an Orthodox Jew outside of this neighborhood. I been in many business places, offices, etc., etc. and have never seen and orthdox man working there?
Also do you guys wear the suits 24/7? In the house? Camping, beach, etc??? And second I've never seen an Orthodox Jewish couple out on a date somewhere like the movies or dinner. You guys dont go out much or what?
Sincerely,
Raj
Continue reading Do Orthodox Men Wear Suits 24/7?
Posted in Myths, Q&A | Comments (8) »
February 9th, 2010
Dear Jew in the City,
Lock the kids [with mumps] up...do not sicken everyone. You have no right to impose your beliefs against vaccination on the rest of society.
If you don't see it this way...advice...leave this country. Go to someplace where ignorance and stupidity are bliss. America is NOT such a place. We lose ours, you will lose yours.
M.A.
Continue reading Do Orthodox Jews believe in vaccinating?
Posted in Myths, Q&A | Comments (11) »
January 22nd, 2010
Dear Jew in the City,
Why is there such hatred towards Orthodox and Chasidic Jews? As I pursue becoming observant, I have received many negative comments about the Orthodox, especially the Chasidic, from fellow Jews in particular. Why is this? I don't understand. Can you shed some light on this.
Thanks,
Shelley
Continue reading Why Do So Many People Hate Orthodox Jews?
Posted in Q&A | Comments (16) »
