A Rabbi can't touch other women (even if it's just a handshake)?

Question

I ask because I've been home all weekend sick, and caught an episode of "Hogan Knows Best" (and no, I don't get my religious education from reality tv). Anyway, they were having a barbeque for the neighborhood and they had a few Rabbi's over and Brooke (Hulk's daughter) went to shake one of the Rabbi's hand to introduce herself and he said something along the lines of "Rabbi's don't touch any other women but their wife". Then she went to introduce herself to another Rabbi in the crowd and said "hi" and said something like "I heard you don't shake hands with women" and that Rabbi confirmed it too.
I was kind of surprised. Is this only something that Rabbi's do or are all Jewish men not allowed to touch any other women than their wives? Thank you for your answers!
Ps. Scripture or any other references are welcome (just please no posting of websites).

mystery woman: I know that about Islam already. Hence the reason why my question was not labeled "An Imam can't touch other women (even if it's just a handshake)?

free_your: Thanks for answering. I know, I haven't had a Rabbi react like that to me, so that's why I was surprised. I know theres differences within Judaism too, that's why I was asking :o)

Answer 1

That probably depends entirely on the form of Judaism. Much like Christianity, Judaism has many shapes and sizes. I have never met a Rabbi who didn't or wouldn't shake my hand. (I grew up Jewish and was Bat Mitzvahed -- at which time my Rabbi and Canter blessed me and took hands with me.... that's just one example.)

I did a bit more research for you -- as I suspected, it is Chassidic men who may not shake hands with women.

I'm not sure who the thumb troll is here, but my answer is indeed correct. You can even look it up yourself -- on the net even -- just type rabbis cannot shake hands with women in your favorite search engine and see what you get.

Answer 2

Hi Mia!
I smiled when I read your question because my best friend's Rabbi doesn't shake hands with women either! I thought he was the only one, b/c we'd never heard of that. I think it maybe just a personal thing, not supported by scripture. The Rabbi we know is also a bit OCD (obssesive compulsive), so my guess is that it's just a personal pet peeve that a few Rabbi's have, not a religious one! ;o)

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

In Islam men are not allowed to touch other women, besides their wives and those whom they cannot marry eg. mother.
Women are also not allowed to touch other men besides their husbands and those whom they cannot marry eg. son.