Understanding Rabbi Schachter’s Balanced Stance
In a thoughtfully crafted message, Rabbi Hershel Schachter, a respected figure at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, urgently calls the Jewish community to responsibly leverage social pressure to aid women known as agunot — those who are unable to remarry due to their husbands’ refusal to grant a religious divorce, or get. His approach encourages the application of significant community efforts, rooted in compassion and adherence to Jewish traditions, outlining a sensitive path forward for addressing this heart-wrenching issue.
Why It Matters
The dilemma of agunot is a complex issue entangled with religious law, personal liberties, and traditional marital ideologies. Rabbi Schachter’s remarks shed light on the importance of navigating these sensitive matters with a deep respect for halachic (Jewish legal) traditions while actively seeking solutions within the framework that support those affected. His insight crucially remains grounded in the Torah, emphasizing the value of communal welfare and integrity.
The Nuance within Advocacy
Rabbi Schachter unequivocally acknowledged the anguish of the agunot, stressing that exerting pressure on unyielding husbands through established communal channels is both necessary and noble. Yet, he also provided critical examination of recent proposals, like sex and ritual bath strikes, warning against tactics that might inadvertently harm marital relationships or conflict with Jewish norms concerning marital intimacy.
By advocating for measures within a “small, tight-knit community,” Rabbi Schachter suggests a vetted capacity for certain actions like mikvah (ritual bath) refusal that resonate with direct impact. He emphasizes targeting social efforts thoughtfully, ensuring initiatives foster resolution rather than unintended dissent.
The Call for Holistic Solutions
Rabbi Schachter’s commitment to uphold Torah values also critiques reactions driven by external pressure, reaffirming the rabbinic duty to be loyal to halachic methods provided by God. However, Schachter remains open to realistic, community-specific, actions that convey solidarity and compel reflection from those withholding the get, ideally leading to a harmonized resolution for all agunot worldwide.
Addressing the Crisis with Care
Activist Adina Sash’s highlighting of Rabbi Schachter’s perspective corroborates his desire to alleviate the plight of agunot while fostering original avenues for critical social pressure that align with Jewish values. Sash’s recognition of Schachter setting precedence for action within “small tight knit communities,” — even potentially inclusive of social media spheres — suggests a broader interpretative scope for communal intervention.
Conclusion
Rabbi Schachter, along with community leaders and activists like Adina Sash, outlines a call to arms, in a manner faithful to Jewish law and compassion for agunot. Their conversation signals a beacon of hope for addressing the agonies faced by these women, threading a path that honors tradition while courageously seeking justice and resolutions within the firmament of Jewish life and law.
This story was first published on jpost.com.