Why do Beth Din's only seem to do things in their own self-interest, rather than for the community there are supposed to represent and provide Jewish guidance to?
In the Jewish Telegraph this week, it is reported that a women in Manchester is having a terrible time trying to get her ex to grant a get (Jewish divorce).
She has three children and her ex husband has not only denied her a get but does not pay any maintenance.
The Jewish Telegraph reports:
A 'chained' wife wants her ex-husband frozen out of the community.
"It's the only way to end my nightmare - and grant me a get," she pleaded last night.
And Rochel - not her real name - is seeking sanctions to make her ex-husband comply.
"People must stop inviting him into their homes for meals," said the sheitel-wearing woman, turning to the Jewish Telegraph as a last resort. "He should no longer be invited to simchas - nor to be employed."
Religious Rochel - who split from her 'ex' three years ago - added: "I am struggling to bring up my children as he refuses to pay maintenance or give a get."
So what is the Manchester Beth Din's reaction? Well, to just try and sit it out.
Rabbi Yehuda Brodie, of Manchester Beth Din, defended the Jewish court's policy.
"The Beth Din feels deeply the pain and anxiety of any person who has unjustifiably been denied a get, especially over a lengthy period of time," he said. "Those who withhold a get for unethical reasons are to be decried. Indeed, there is a time and a place for communal sanctions."
As a community, we need to get tough on those who refuse to give their former wife a get. This so-called "men" are holding these women to ransom knowing full well that within the orthodox community a women without a get cannot get remarried. While of course, these men are able to go off and do what they like.
When looking at the impotent Beth Din, is it any wonder why some men just act the way they do, they know there isn't much the Beth Din will do, though of course, there is plenty they can do.
Those who run these Beth Din's are usually very good in talking, but when it comes to action, they just show how out of touch and how little they actually value women.
Maybe it is time for these Beth Din's to actually start getting more women involved in the structure of these organisations? Then we should get religious bodies that represent not just the members of the community, but will also be working for the best interests of the community.
Any man who chooses to be a ‘rabbi’ (‘true teacher’ of Torah) or a ‘dayan’ (‘judge’), or a ‘mekubal’ (‘kabbalist’) should be doing so Voluntarily. Out of his pure love for Hashem and the Torah. And his Ahavat Yisrael.
If he refuses to do community work voluntarily, and wants and accepts payment for everything he does, such a man should not be leading a community. He should get a job and earn a living. He can collect milk bottles or clean the windows. That is what is called ‘earning a living’.
Torah is learned, studied and taught: out of Love. Voluntarily. But the ‘rabbis’ have turned the Torah into their ‘Profession’, from which they earn money.
We are commanded in the Shema to:
‘LOVE Hashem, your G-d, WITH ALL YOUR HEART, and with all your soul and with all your might.’
‘VE’AHAVTA et Hashem Elokecha BECHOL LEVAVECHA uvechol nafshecha uvechol meodecha.’ (Devarim, Vaethanan, 6:4-5)
Is the ordinary man or woman PAID to pray to Hashem, or to say some words of Torah? No. Has veshalom! But the rabbis are. These men can give ‘lovely’ shiurim that they have rehearsed. But they would not give a shiur without being paid for it.
The true hachamim and rabbis of old, all actually worked at proper jobs and professions.
Wake up! Even a little child could have worked this out. These salaried men can never truly stand for the Torah, because in a case of conflict between a correct course of action according to the Torah, and the rabbi or rav’s pocket – his pocket and position will always prevail.
Pirkei Avot: (2:2)
“Raban Gamliel beno shel Rabi Yehuda HaNassi omer: yafeh talmud Torah im derech eretz, sheyegiat shenaihem mashkachat avon. Vechol Torah she’ein imah melacha sofa betailah ve’goreret avon. Vechol haoskim im hatzibbur yiheyu imahem leShem Shamayim……”
“Rabban Gamliel, the son of Rabi Yehuda HaNassi, said: It is good to combine Torah study with a worldly occupation, for working at them both drives sin from the mind. All Torah without an occupation will in the end fail and lead to sin. And let all who work for the community do so for the sake of Heaven………”
Posted by: Eliyahoo William Dwek | May 15, 2010 at 10:42 PM
When ‘dayanim’, ‘rabbis’ and false ‘mekubalim’ use the Torah for their own power and commercial profit, this behaviour is abhorrent.
No other ‘rabbi’ will ever act against another ‘rabbi’ - even when he knows his colleague is clearly desecrating the Torah. Each rabbi is only worried about losing his own position.
Therefore, the ‘rabbi’, ‘dayyan’ or false ‘mekubal’ (‘kabbalist’) will never effect justice. And he will never truly stand for the Torah or the Honour of Hashem. His pocket will always prevail.
The Torah must never be used for commercial gain and profit. Amm israel can only be lead by those who have the necessary love and respect of Hashem and the Torah.
Posted by: Eliyahoo William Dwek | May 15, 2010 at 10:43 PM
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