העורך Editor

Two men were driving an ambulance in a tiny Yishuv at night when they saw a married woman and a man who wasn’t her husband heading for a secluded area. Said one to the other: come with me, let’s observe and testify. If you don’t come, I’ll be a sole witness.

Pesachim 113b: שלשה הקדוש ברוך הוא שונאן המדבר אחד בפה ואחד בלב והיודע עדות בחבירו ואינו מעיד לו והרואה דבר ערוה בחבירו ומעיד בו יחידי.

The other man called the local National-Religious-type rabbi and asked if he should join the first man.

The rabbi answered: Ignore it; nothing is actually known to have happened yet. Don’t look for problems.

The rabbi himself didn’t inquire as to who the woman was, or act any further on the matter.

Did this actually occur?

Yes, this is a true story.

Feel free to weigh in on our Contact page. Was the rabbi correct?

Rabbi Nosson Kopshitz shlita is a great Talmid Chacham, especially considered an expert in the laws of Ribbis, and the pride of his city, Beit Shemesh (just listen to scholars who know him!).

A certain rabbi told me he would give a regular halacha shiur (class) to sefardi Avreichim up until the listeners complained he would never so much as mention Rabbi Ovadya Yosef. “Even if you happen to disagree or follow other opinions”, they claimed, “at least mention Rabbi Ovadya’s view among others”.

So, he went and asked Rabbi Kopshitz if he could do so. The answer was clear: No. Even mentioning Rabbi Ovadya’s words, Rabbi Kopshitz felt, would cause Jews to violate halacha.

The shiur ceased.

הראו לי מה שכתב הרב יחיאל שולמן שליט”א, מהנהגות אביו הרב נתן שולמן זצ”ל, וז”ל:

שאל את החזו”א כיצד עושים עירוב עירוני והרי יש בין התושבים שאינם מודים בעירוב ר”ל. וענה לו החזו”א שמבקשים רשות ממפקד המשטרה (ומסתמכים דדמי לשר העיר שבכחו בשעת מלחמה לשכן חיילים בבתי העיר), וכשהחזו”א הסביר לו זאת חייך. (א.ה. והבין ממנו שיש לו איזשהו [צד] פקפוק אם מהני. (בערך)).

Someone once came to the Chazon Ish on Shabbos from Tel Aviv. The Chazon Ish asked how he came from outside Techum Shabbos? The visitor answered, “people say” new buildings have already been built in the gap. Upon which the Chazon Ish asked the visitor to refrain from touching the wine…

Rule: If you don’t know that an action is permitted, then for you it isn’t.

Have you ever used a business located in a residential building (kindergarten, Kippah store, barber, etc.)?

Was the establishment several floors up?

What gives you the right to use the elevator on your way there?

Perhaps you assume the business pays a larger share in elevator expenses (ha!). Well, what gives you the right to “assume”?

Were you then asked to serve as a witness at a wedding?

Did you say yes?

Eh?

The Gabbai of Rabbi Steinman zatzal once told me people do this. There is a famous letter by the Ba’al Hatanya asking his followers to cease with similar behavior. But this is not Derech Eretz.

First do research into the facts, investigate and evaluate, then seek advice.

Breishis Rabba 63:6 for individuals:

ותאמר אם כן למה זה אנכי רבי יצחק אמר מלמד שהיתה אמנו רבקה מחזרת על פתחיהן של נשים ואומרת להן הגיע לכם הצער הזה בימיכם אם כך הוא צערו של בנים והלואי לא עיברתי.

Only then did she go to Shem and Ever.

The same for the public, Brachos 3b:

אמר להם לכו ופשטו ידיכם בגדוד מיד יועצים באחיתופל ונמלכין בסנהדרין ושואלין באורים ותומים.

First, they drew up a working plan with Achitofel, and “got the votes”. Then, and only then, would they consult the Urim Vetumim.

A word to the wise…