13 replies to this topic

[Morgenstern]

L'kovod Rebbi Shapiro shlita,
I'm aware that it is asur for non-Jews to learn Torah. However, is it ok for a Jew to teach them certain concepts from Torah that would be beneficial for them to know, and even theraputic? For example, can I teach them the Baal Shem Tov that says that "the whole world is composed of mirriors" to aid them in to becoming less judgemental? What about certain other mesholim regarding phsical phenomeons?

Thank you for your time, Rebbi,

[Rabbi Shapiro]

You can teach them whatever they need to know to fulfill their 7 Mitzvos. They can also learn Torah SheBiksav.

 

There is no Halachah that says non-Jews cannot be judgmental. It may benefit them in a Dale Carnegie kind of way, but it's not one of their Torah obligations.

 

Same thing with the Mesholim you are asking about. If it helps them avoid being idol-worshipers, for example, then it is fine. But if it does not impact on their Torah obligations, it is prohibited to teach them.

[Morgenstern]

Thank you for this informative information, Rabbi Shapiro! I became more frum only recently, and in typical newbie fasion, I taught some of these things which you said is assur...at one point I gave a non-Jewish friends (who thinks hes otherwise) a chumash...as far as I know he didnt spend too much time with it and he definetley read it from the perspective of a coifer based off of things he said...am I chaiov mita for all of this?

Also, the Rav mentioned non-Jews learning T''ShbK....in what measure?

 

[Morgenstern]

Another question for ha'Rav:What if someone makes a youtube video where he teaches Torat Emet? Can he post it somewhere goyim can see it, and can the goyim watch it to their heart's content? I'm involved in this kind of stuff and need to know if I should pull everything down.

[Morgenstern]

What of telling them Torah that is related to health? Such as induldging in pleasureful activties, like drinking? Say I know a goy who acts on his impulsive behaviours, forming an addiction cycle? Wouldn't it be cruel to withhold this information from him? Or when the Rambam said those things, was he really speaking of the spiritual root of all of it, and so even though on a physical leve, they are harmed, their souls aren't? But wouldn't this knowledge help them with the Torah they DO have? Such as not engaging in forbidden relationships, or Aver min ha'chai?

[Rabbi Shapiro]

What of telling them Torah that is related to health? Such as induldging in pleasureful activties, like drinking? Say I know a goy who acts on his impulsive behaviours, forming an addiction cycle? Wouldn't it be cruel to withhold this information from him? Or when the Rambam said those things, was he really speaking of the spiritual root of all of it, and so even though on a physical leve, they are harmed, their souls aren't? But wouldn't this knowledge help them with the Torah they DO have? Such as not engaging in forbidden relationships, or Aver min ha'chai?

What Torah exactly are you referring to that you are asking about telling them?

[Rabbi Shapiro]

Another question for ha'Rav:What if someone makes a youtube video where he teaches Torat Emet? Can he post it somewhere goyim can see it, and can the goyim watch it to their heart's content? I'm involved in this kind of stuff and need to know if I should pull everything down.

It is permitted if the video is targeted for Jews. That's like putting out a sefer and worrying that the non-Jews will read it. But you can't do anything that will indicate you want the non-Jews to watch it.

[Rabbi Shapiro]

Thank you for this informative information, Rabbi Shapiro! I became more frum only recently, and in typical newbie fasion, I taught some of these things which you said is assur...at one point I gave a non-Jewish friends (who thinks hes otherwise) a chumash...as far as I know he didnt spend too much time with it and he definetley read it from the perspective of a coifer based off of things he said...am I chaiov mita for all of this?

Also, the Rav mentioned non-Jews learning T''ShbK....in what measure?

 

Re Torah shebiksav: Just the simple narratives of the Tanach.

 

No, you're not chayav misah. Just regret that you did it and resolve not to do it again.

[Morgenstern]

What Torah exactly are you referring to that you are asking about telling them?

Can they hear the Torahs that are about health?
 

[Morgenstern]

Thank you for your responses, Rabbi Shapiro!

[Rabbi Shapiro]

Can they hear the Torahs that are about health?
 

Such as...?

[Morgenstern]

For example, to use the bathroom as often as one needs to.

[Rabbi Shapiro]

That is correct even without Torah. It's not a problem to tell them that.

[Morgenstern]

The information is much appreciated! 

Shalom u'verachah, Rebbi u'Mori.