OK, first off, I'm not trying to be smart or cute with this quesiton, and I'm not trying to offend anyone. I recently attended a religious function and there were people of all faiths there. It was pretty cool. I was introduced to a Rabbi, really nice guy. I introduced him to my lady friend, and he wouldn't shake her hand, saying Rabbis only touch their wives. I think that is beautiful, what dedication! Now my question is, can they hug their wives moms or her sisters? What about other close friends and family? That's the only thing I don't understand.
2006-11-13 08:50:33 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, he was orthadox.
2006-11-13 08:54:57 · update #1
HI! First of all let me tell you that not only Rabbis touch only their wives, but also many many (if not most) religious orthodox Jews. It is part of our Halacha (Law code), and one of the reasons is to prevent us getting into sexual relationships with any other than our wife/husband. Unmarried people also don't touch each other intimately for similar reasons. This law is commonly named "shomer Negi'a"
Now, a man could hug his wife, his mother, his sister, his daughter, his grandmother, and his grand-daughter, and no one else.
A woman can only hug her father, brother, husband, son, grandson and grandfather.
It may sound hard but believe me, I do it, and it's worth it. As you said, the relationship between a husband and wife is so much more intimate if neither have ever touched (intimately, I don't mean like touching hands with the guy at the counter when handing him money, and stuff like that...) anyone else of the opposite sex.
2006-11-13 09:26:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This must have been an Orthodox rabbi. Usually they can not touch any women other then the one they have bonded with and have relations. I should think they should be able to hug their wives's mom's as it would be sin to have a relationship with her. For the others, I'm afraid I don't have the exact answer.
2006-11-13 16:54:12 · answer #2 · answered by Professor Bradley 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Family is family------the women are not ''other women''. Unless this Rabbi is ultra strict, he will hug family.
Also, this Rabbi was Orthodox. You will not find this in Reform and in most Conservatives.
2006-11-13 16:56:59 · answer #3 · answered by Shossi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mothers and sisters are fine.
the general rule is that they should not have contact with those that they could potently marry.
since no one would marry their mother or sister a hug or normal affection is perfectly normal.
personally I wish I had that much commitment
2006-11-13 16:57:51 · answer #4 · answered by Gamla Joe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Orthodox Jewish men do hug their mothers and sisters. They do not touch women to whom they are not related.
2006-11-13 17:52:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you get this from Hogan Know's Best on VH-1?
2006-11-13 17:22:17 · answer #6 · answered by ramblin guy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋