
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Recent Q&A
Chassidus/Kaballah/Philosophy:[1] It is forbidden for a Gentile to study or be taught Kabbalah or Chassidus, the inner dimensions of the Torah, just as it is forbidden to teach them the revealed aspects of the Torah.[2] However, he may learn and be taught matters that relate to the seven Noahide laws as elucidated in Toras Hachassidus, such as Emuna in Hashem, Achdus Hashem, Hashgacha Peratis and matters of the like.[3] Hence, one may study [the sections relevant to these subjects from] Shaar Hayichud Viemuna in Tanya with a Gentile.[4]
[1] Sheva Mitzvos Hashem p. 69 footnote 114; Rav Moshe Weiner in written correspondence
[2] The Reason: As Kabbalah is also part of Torah study, and fulfills the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah. [See Admur Hilchos Talmud Torah 2:1 who states “The wisdom of Kabalah is included in the 1/3 of Talmud”; See Likkutei Torah Vayikra 5c; Likkutei Sichos 30:173 who makes the distinction between in depth learning of Kabalah which is like Talmud, and superficial learning which is like Mikra; See also Igros Kodesh 11:277]
[3] See Igros Kodesh 23 p. 4 [That Chassidus has connection also to gentile nations with regards to the seven Noahide laws]; Toras Menachem 5748 Vol. 4 p. 267 footnote 54 [that even gentiles can understand matters of the teachings of Chassidus according to their level, as certainly they are not capable of coming to a level of understanding of God’s unity as a Jew is capable of understanding. To note, that in Russian the Rebbe Rayatz once explained a deep matter of Chassidus to a gentile professor.]; Toras Menachem 5750 Vol. 1 p. 419 [that Chassidus was printed also in English in order so they also study matters of belief in God and divine Providence.]
[4] Toras Menachem vol. 54 p. 241 “It is possible to explain and teach even a non-Jew Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah (this is one of the reasons for the printing of the Shaar HaYichud VeHaEmunah in English) — not only according to the opinion that the children of Noah are warned concerning partnership in idolatry, and thus they need to learn matters of faith unity, but even according to the opinion that they are not warned concerning Shituf — nevertheless, this does not mean that they are commanded to believe in Shituf, but rather that they are simply not commanded in it, although certainly it is better that they believe in Hashems unity.”
Yes.
Siddur Yaavetz; Daas Torah 551; Piskeiy Teshuvos 551:54; Toras Hayoledes 48 footnote 15
Shehechiyanu during Sefira on new fruits and other occasions
Chassidus Articles
Halacha Articles
Other Articles
From the Rav’s Desk: Should a Person Speak Kindly and respectfully to an AI Chatbox? (Sunday, 28th Sivan)
Post Views: 21 Question: I have a somewhat strange question, but it has been bothering me. I see people using AI chatboxes, speaking to them through voice or text. Sometimes people get annoyed when the AI gives incorrect answers or misunderstands something, and they respond angrily or disrespectfully. Of course,
From the Ravs Desk: The Shabbos That Vanished: Halacha on the High Seas When Crossing The Dateline
Post Views: 47 The Shabbos That Vanished: Halacha on the High Seas When Crossing The Dateline Question: Rabbi, I’m on a cruise ship traveling from Hawaii toward Australia, and late Friday afternoon the ship crossed the International Date Line. According to the ship’s clocks, we skipped completely over Saturday daytime
From the Rav’s Desk: Is It Really Forbidden According To Halacha to Draw the Sun, Moon, and Stars?
Post Views: 32 Is It Really Forbidden According To Halacha to Draw the Sun, Moon, and Stars? Question: I was in the middle of drawing a picture of the world—sun, moon, stars, grass, trees, animals—like I always enjoy doing during class. My teacher stopped me and said that not
From the Rav’s Desk: Who has the greatest Yetzer Harah? The Tzadik?! (Tuesday, 23rd Shevat)
Post Views: 22 Question: I have a question regarding a Mamar Chazal that has always bothered me. Chazal [sukkah 52a] teach that “the greater a person is, the greater their yetzer hara is.” At first glance this seems strange. If so, does it mean that simple Jews would have small
From the Rav’s Desk: When Restitution Isn’t Ribis: Paying More Than You Have To When Returning Stolen Money (Monday, 22nd Shevat)
Post Views: 32 Issur Ribis when returning stolen money Question: Years ago, during a moment of desperation, I stole $500 cash from my roommates’ unattended drawer. They realized it was missing, but never knew that I stole it. Now, with my life steady I want to return the money and
From the Rav’s Desk: May a Kohen Who Publicly Violates Shabbos Perform Birkat Kohanim – Duchaning? (Sunday, 21st Shevat)
Post Views: 34 May a Kohen Who Publicly Violates Shabbos Perform Birkat Kohanim – Duchaning? Question: There is an individual in our community who is a Kohen but who drives to synagogue on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Is it permissible for such a person to perform Birkat Kohanim (Duchaning)?

Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.