Ha-Rav
answers hundreds of text message questions a day! Here's a sample:
Gemara Learning in Korea
Q: In South Korea, there is
much interest in learning Gemara. Is
this worthwhile?
A: Certainly not. It is forbidden to teach Torah to non-Jews
and it is forbidden for a non-Jew to learn Torah. The Torah is betrothed to us and not to them. One does not learn Gemara for an intellectual
experience – which is their interest – but out of Yirat Shamayim – fear of
Heaven (Chagigah 13a).
Reform and Conservative
Conversions
Q: Are Reform and
Conservative conversions valid?
A: Certainly not. An essential element of the conversion is
accepting the yoke of the Mitzvot, and this is lacking. Shut Achiezer 3:26. Shut Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:128, Even
Ha-Ezer 3:3. Shut Shevet Ha-Levi
10:224. Shut Mishneh Halachot 12:193.
Matrilineal Descent
Q: Where is it written in the
Torah that Judaism follows matrilineal descent?
A: Devarim 7:3-4. Kiddushin 68b.
Q: I heard that some say that
it was a later decree?
A: Nonsense. It is explicitly mentioned in Ezra 7:3-4, and
he did not invent it.
Staring at Women
Q: Is it forbidden for men to
stare at women, or do women also have to be careful that men not stare at them?
A: Both. "A woman needs to be modest and careful
that men not stare at her, aside from her husband". Rabbenu Yonah, Igeret Ha-Teshuvah 159.
Coca Cola
Q: Is Coca Cola Kosher in all
countries?
A: Not necessarily. There are many ingredients. It requires certification (See the amazing
Teshuvah regarding the Kashrut of Coca Cola in Shut Karnei Ha-Hod, end of
Volume 2, of Ha-Rav Tuvia Gefen, who served as Rabbi in Atlanta, where Coke is
produced in America. He discusses the
secret ingredient in Coke).
Q: Is it true that Coca Cola
is unhealthy?
A: This is a medical
question. All soft drinks cause damage
on account of the sugar. And some claim
that Coke causes damage on account of the phosphoric
acid which causes continuing damage to one's kidneys.
Bill with Tchernichovski
Q: Is it appropriate for the
State of Israel to put out a bill with the face of the poet Shaul
Tchernichovski, who was married to a non-Jew?
A: It is not appropriate.
Tzedakah to a Criminal
Q: A person evaded taxes and
is now having a trial which could end up in jail-time. Is it possible to give him Tzedakah for an
expensive attorney who could save him?
A: This has nothing to do
with Tzedakah. But it is a
kindness. Kindness is according to the
need and ability. But it seems that
there are other persons who are more in need of a kindness (Ha-Rav Shlomo
Zalman Auerbach was once asked regarding a Jew who stole a significant amount
of money and was serving a jail sentence in America. Is it proper to collect large sums of money
to help free him because of the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shevuyim – Redeeming
Captives? Ha-Rav Shlomo Zalman said:
"Pidyom Shevuyim?! What does this
have to do with Pidyon Shevuyim? Pidyom
Shevuyim is when non-Jews kidnap a Jew for no reason, and put him in jail. According to my understanding, they don't
kidnap Jews in America in order to extort money. After all, the Torah says 'Do not steal', and
he stole. On the contrary, it is good
for him to sit in jail a little and learn that it is forbidden to steal." Ha-Rav Shlomo Zalman added that if they wanted
to collect money for his wife and children, however, it would obviously be a
Mitzvah. Ve-alehu Lo Yibol Volume 2, pp.
113-114).
