JUDAISM ONLY THROUGH THE PRISM OF THE ZOHAR
Thank you for publishing The Misuse of the Zohar and How It Hurts Our Boys, where the author argues that the Zohar should not be used as a kiruv manual to guide our youth on the sensitive subject matter of purity, as it will have very negative ramifications for them. I would like to add another pressing issue that is affecting some individuals in our community: they view Judaism only through the prism of kabbalah or the Zohar. That is a distorted and dangerous lens through which to view our relationship with Hashem, as our rich religious traditions comprise more than just the Zohar. Topics as important as this one should be more frequently published in the BJL. Thanks again!
Ariel C.
Jamaica Estates, NY
CHALLENGE OF PURITY: A PROBLEM AND A SOLUTION
Your recently published article, The Misuse of the Zohar and How It Can Hurt Our Boys, was right on point; it was very direct and thorough. Not only did the author present the problem, but he also offered a solution, with backing from a very important book, From Boys To Men, that was recently published and has been making waves in the Jewish world. In fact, I recently heard that the author, Dr. Shlomie Zimmerman, will be speaking at Yeshiva Ohel Simcha on Sunday, June 4th at 8 p.m. I also know that some works of Chasidut have a very uplifting and positive approach to this issue and other spiritual challenges. The Netivot Shalom, in particular, has an amazing approach to how one should view sins and spiritual setbacks.
Issac Ambalu
Kew Garden Hills, NY
TEEN WHATSAPP GROUPS ON THE ZOHAR
A very pertinent article was published recently in the BJL regarding issues of purity. I am involved in Jewish outreach in our community, and I personally know a lot of teens who are tremendously misguided in this area. There are Zohar WhatsApp groups organized by public school teens from our community, in which a recently frum teenager gives classes on the Zohar. We need rebbeim with solid hashkafah who can guide our teens in this area.
Anonymous
Forest Hills, NY
IT’S NOT A FREE-FOR-ALL
In regards to the issue of purity that was addressed in this publication, I must say that for many years I had to undo a lot of the damage inflicted on boys from speakers who are obsessed with this topic and give over the wrong and dangerous approach to our impressionable youth. We have a mesorah on how to handle this topic and it's not a free-for-all.
Rabbi Yaakov Rahimi
Lakewood, NJ
ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL APPROACH
In regards to the book, From Boys to Men, by Dr. Zimmerman, who was featured in a recent BJL issue, I think that a one-size-fits-all approach of having open conversations about these sensitive issues may not work for everyone because it assumes that all parenting styles are the same. In some families, children don’t perceive their fathers as buddies, someone they can talk to about any topic in the world, let alone sensitive and intimate ones.
Yigal M.
Forest Hills, NY
DANGER TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE
In Tucker Carlson Got Axed And Why That’s A Good Thing, Tzvi Haimov argues that Carlson’s abrupt firing from Fox News is welcome news for the conservative movement. Bravo to this well-written article and a voice not often heard in the religious community. If people would just stand back and not think of politics and understand what Tucker Carlson really stands for, they would realize that his support of white nationalists and white nationalism is not only a danger to the United States but also to the Jewish community.
Ricky Schneider
Forest Hills, NY
DISAGREEING AND YET LOVING ONE ANOTHER
In Tzvi Haimov’s article, Should We Use Torah Sources for Political Commentary and Opinion, Haimov argues that political opinions should not be supported with verses or passages from the Torah. He points out two realities. The first reality is that we live in a polarizing time. This polarization is most pronounced with regards to political viewpoints. The second reality is that Jews who hold the Torah in the highest regard might use its holy text to support their political viewpoints, but often do so without the proper evidence and thus cause a greater divide amongst an already polarizing climate. These two realities are the catalysts for a popular solution that the Torah should be left out of the political discussion because arguments from the Torah would give us more to lose than to gain. Therefore, argues Haimov, we should leave Torah out of politics.
I do not believe, however, that this is the proper approach. I believe that were people more careful to appropriately follow the Torah in law and spirit, society would be richer and last longer. Our understanding of the Torah should be the foundation of our political viewpoint above all else. But instead of shielding each other from our opinions, the Jews should set an example and show the world that we are perfectly capable of disagreeing with someone and still remaining friends with them. One need only look at the relationship of Rashbam and Rashi. Rashbam heavily disagreed with his grandfather on many topics. Did Rashbam disown his grandfather as grandchildren today do when their grandparents hold differing viewpoints? Chas V’shalom! On the contrary, it is certain that they both attempted to understand Torah and educate bnei Yisrael in their own way. If only we Jews would attempt to truly love one another, then we could hold differing viewpoints on a plethora of topics. Allowing this open discourse would foster a deeper understanding of the Torah. We as a people would be closer for our open discourse and wiser for it.
Dovidchai Abramchayev
Teaneck, NJ
MARRIAGE BOOKS THROUGH THE LENS OF TORAH
In BJL’s most recent issue, Laura Doyle, author of the The Surrendered Wife, was interviewed about her views on shalom bayit. I am aware that her book is very popular among Orthodox Jewish women and has been recommended by a lot of marriage therapists, although many have also expressed their concerns about the book. It’s interesting to note that in her interview, several of her responses included mere anecdotes to support her arguments. Anecdotal evidence is a poor way to argue because there are also anecdotes that would conceivably rebut her claims. Also, there are plenty of marriage books that offer guidance through the lens of Torah. Why resort to a book written by someone who is clearly not giving us the Jewish perspective on something as holy and beautiful as marriage?
Sveta Fattakhova
Rego Park, NY
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