Why can't a Rabbi shake hands with someone?

Question

I was wondering...why do Rabbis pull their hand back when you go to shake it.

Answer 1

A Jewish man is not supposed to have contact with a woman not his wife (not just a rabbi, but any jewish man, though this level of stringency is found mostly among the Orthodox). I try to keep my hands behind my back. But (and, yes, I am a Rabbi), when a woman holds out her han, i will shake her hand so she is not left feeling awkward. Also, for business purposes, handshaking is often allowed.

Answer 2

Many Orthodox Jewish men and women (not just Rabbis) follow the Jewish practice called Shomer negiah.

This says that one is not supposed to physically touch any member of the opposite sex, unless they are a direct relive such as a spouse, parent, child or sibling.

Answer 3

I've met many Rabbi's and none of them have pulled their hands back. I'm not even Jewish so I really don't know where you heard this from.

Answer 4

It depends... my rabbi is a ******, and he didnt shake my hand at my bat mitzvah because I made a joke during my speech. Most of the time its because they dont want to. theres nothing restricting them...

Answer 5

Thats strange, maybe they thought your hand is not clean enuf for a handshake. Next time bring a sterile alcohol wipe and clean your hand before handshaking. They got no excuse to pull back their hand!

Answer 6

It's only really the Haredim who do this.You can read about it here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negiah

Answer 7

maybe it is a custom of theirs.

Answer 8

they don't use toillet paper you know...