Ha-Rav
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Mixed Seating
Q: Ha-Rav Soloveitchik ruled
that it is preferable not to hear the Shofar if the only option to do so is in
a mixed seating Minyan. How is being
strict on modesty more important than a Torah Mitzvah?
A: 1. It is not a stricture
(See Shut Igrot Moshe, Orach Chaim 1:39).
2. It is a Mitzvah performed through a transgression. But it is best to ask Rav Soloveitchik's
students directly (Rav Soloveitchik ruled in this way regarding mixed seating
Minyans, since family seating began in the houses of worship of idolators, and
he published the above ruling in newspapers.
He explains that if one went to a mixed seating Minyan, it is correct
that he would fulfill the Mitzvah of hearing the Shofar, but at the same time,
he would violate the prohibition of "Do not do so to Hashem Your
G-d". And if he remains at home, he
would nullify the Mitzvah of Shofar, but he would not violate the negative
Mitzvah. In this situation, it is
therefore preferable to "Shev Ve-Al Ta'aseh" – sit and do
nothing. See Eruvim 100a. Nefesh Ha-Rav, p. 232. Divrei Ha-Rav, pp. 156-157).
Awe of Hashem
Q: How do I reach
the level of constantly having awe of Hashem?
A: This is an
extremely high level, brought at the end of Mesilat Yesharim Chapter 25, which
comes through the constant thought that the Shechinah is found in every place
and one can not hide from Hashem. See
there at length.
Civil Marriage
Q: Is there room
to permit civil marriage in the State of Israel?
A: If both members
of the couple are non-Jews.
Deception during
the Elections
Q: I heard that Satmar
is giving money to anyone who deposits his Teudat Zehut with them on election
day so he will not vote. Is it
permissible for me to take the money and vote with my passport based on the law
of one who steals from a thief is exempt?
A: It is forbidden
from every single perspective (See Mishnah Baba Kama 7:1. Rambam, Hilchot Geneivah 1:17. And for a response to the Satmar Rebbe’s
claim that it is forbidden to vote in Israeli election, see Alo Naale #37).
Lying for the
Sake of Peace
Q: Is it permissible
for me to lie and say that a Rabbi appeared to me in a dream and commanded me
to end a conflict if it will help?
A: Yes. It is permissible to lie for the sake of
peace (see Yevamot 65b. Chafetz Chaim,
Hilchot Rechilut 1:8).
Friendship
between a Man and Woman
Q: Is it
permissible for a man and woman to be friends on condition that one’s evil
inclination is not involved?
A: There is no
such thing. It is self-deception. It is a prohibition according to the Torah. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 152:8. For a recent
study by non-Jewish researches in America that concluded that men and women
can't be just friends, see:
Eretz Yisrael
Q: We does our
community emphasize Eretz Yisrael so much?
A: Our community
is Am Yisrael. There is a great
emphasize since it is a great Mitzvah, and – Baruch Hashem – self-sacrifice for
this Mitzvah brought and brings the Redemption (Shemoneh Kevatzim 7:201).
