Category Archives: Marc B. Shapiro

Do You Always Need Two Witnesses To Prove A Case In Jewish Law?

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Luke Ford

When I read this comment on Facebook, it triggered two responses in me: “Have you considered that 2 witnesses is required in order to provide validity to the case. Otherwise anyone can walk into the court and accuse the innocent … Continue reading →

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Haredim Defeat Modern Orthodox In Israel’s Chief Rabbi Elections

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Luke Ford

Professor Marc Shapiro responded to my inquiry: “The election of Rabbi David Lau is a bad joke. He is only 46 or 47 years old, and is not regarded as a great talmid chacham. So the Ashkenazi chief rabbi is … Continue reading →

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Suspicion Of Converts

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Luke Ford

I was reading some commentary on the Torah portion of Pinchas and the commentators such as Rashi say that Pinchas was assailed by his peers for descending from a convert (Yitro) and therefore his actions came out of self-seeking impure … Continue reading →

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When Did You Last Hear A Rabbi Berate His Congregation?

Posted on June 30, 2013 by Luke Ford

I’ve never heard a rabbi berate his congregation. I know it happened in the past but it is rare these days. Marc Shapiro replies to my question: “[It is] not very common today, but in traditional societies it certainly happened. … Continue reading →

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Is It Ok To Touch Women For Healing Purposes?

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Luke Ford

Historian Marc B. Shapiro writes: There is currently a situation in London where a leading rabbi is charged with inappropriate contact with women. This rabbi denies the charges. However, he has admitted, so I am informed, that he did touch … Continue reading →

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