3 replies to this topic

[FS613]

L'Chvod Rabbi Shapiro, Shlita:

What would be a proper way to answer a Reform / Conservative / Modern Orthodox scoffer who says,

"Women can't wear pants? Mixed dancing is not allowed? Where exactly in the Torah does it say that?"

How can one explain the validity of the requirements of Yiddishkeit, without necessarily knowing the source of every rule?

Thank you.

[Rabbi Shapiro]

Don't bother answering scoffers. אל תוכח לץ.

If for whatever reason you want to deal with him, ask him to define "the Torah."

Tell him that our Torah is not "Tanach" or even the Gemora. Our Torah is the collective body of teachings of the Gedolei Yisroel throughout the generations (listen to this Shiur), from the prophets to contemporary Poskim, and in that Torah there are plenty of places where such things are found.

Tell him that you have a different Torah than he does and that you follow a different religion than him.

[FS613]

What would be a good answer if, for example, the scoffer is a "Modern Orthodox" relative who cannot be avoided,

and the response is, "If you say that in the Torah, there are plenty of places where such things are found; name me one such place."

Thank you, Rabbi.

[Rabbi Shapiro]

If that's the case then don't bother talking to him. You don't need to play games.