JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A new controversy has erupted in the religious sector, primarily affecting women. The Rishon LeZion (Sephardi Chief Rabbi), Rabbi David Yosef, published a letter over the weekend addressed to all mikveh attendants across the country. The letter calls on women to refrain from using any form of birth control, according to a report by journalist Meirav Seber in Israel Hayom.
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“We wish to draw the attention of dear women that preventing pregnancy is not permitted according to Halacha (Jewish law), except in cases of true medical necessity, and only after consultation with a qualified rabbinic authority,” the letter reads.
A response from the Chief Rabbi’s office stated:
“There is no new halachic ruling here. This letter has existed for many years in mikvaot and is signed by local rabbis. The Rishon LeZion was simply asked to add his signature in cities that do not have a municipal rabbi.”
At the same time, on the front page of one of the popular weekly Shabbat leaflets, an ad appeared echoing the same sentiment. The ad, titled “Dear Daughters of Israel,” quoted several rabbis, mostly from the charedi sector, opposing the use of contraception.
It stated:
“In your merit, righteous women, the people of Israel will be redeemed. Therefore, let us strengthen ourselves and remember: ‘Preventing pregnancy in any form is one of the gravest prohibitions.’ And in the merit of listening to G-d’s voice, we will be blessed with much goodness in this world and in the next.”
The ad sparked outrage on social media and among various rabbis and religious educators online. In the Facebook group “Halachic Feminists,” users wrote comments such as:“This is infuriating,” “I’m in shock that they published something like this!” and “It’s just not appropriate in any way.”
Bridal instructor Nitza Farkash also responded:
“The decision of whether and when to give birth is a very personal one, with profound effects on your life and the family you will, G-d willing, build. Thank G-d there are many different halachically permissible contraceptive solutions, approved by many prominent rabbis across all religious streams.”
Everyone wants to do the right thing. The right thing is whatever Hashem wants from us. In order to do the right thing, one has to know what Hashem wants from us in a given situation. To know that, one must have a real grasp of the Torah. To understand in what situations it is appropriate to use birth control and in what situations it is inappropriate – ask one who is competent in understanding and applying the Torah responsibly.
Birth control is no different than any other question in Halachah. There will be situations in which it is allowed and others in which it is not. You just need to know what the Torah says. It’s a serious issue – it’s a “life” or “death” issue. Ask a sheiloh.
That’s really all this sign says.
“Take it seriously – ask a sheioloh.”
I don’t see what changed, those that hate religion are just as angry as yesterday. The law is it’s permitted under certain circumstances to be determined by a qualified rabbinical Authority, taking it into your own hands was never allowed unless you didn’t care
There are different methods to stop from getting pregnant. I believe that some are worse than others ( condoms are absolutely forbidden
When voting was underway for the position of chief rabbi, there was a tremendous controversy over including women in the voting pool. It was erroneously opposed on the grounds of keeping out the influence of the Reform movement. As this issue proves, Reform has nothing to do with it. A qualified leader must have a good havana and his authority must be respected by all segments of klal yisroel, women included.
There is NO such Halacha. We need to stop making things up!
Proving the second time this week that שיקול הדעת is not inherited.
I don’t understand. Can someone explain without attacking m. We have a whole gemarah about the torah being “Lo Bashamayin he.” There even is a story where a group of rabbis rule directly against a “bas Kol” and the gemarah says hashem laughed and said my children out did me (or something similar) in that we took ownership of the torah. If this is the case, why is it that Rabbis cant relax certain rules rather than insist they are unavoidable. For example that a women remains an aguna unless he husband gives her a get. If the torah is Lo Bashamayim he, cant they create a heter mayah rabbonim for women as well? Of in this case, some leniency for families that cannot afford multiple children (which many rabbis do bur rabbi in this article says is wrong. How do we balance a gemarah with hashem loving rabbis taking initiative with so many times that Rabbis. claim this is the rule and I have no choice in the matter? Again, please help me understand rather than attack…