Naming Names.

One of my "rules" for myself in this blog is not to use any names. It doesn't matter of the story is on the front page of the NY Times or the Washington Post. I do this for many reasons, the primary being not wishing to be over the issur of L'Shon Harah. I also do this to keep my own identity anonymous. My quest for anonymity is not brought on by a fear or even by modesty. Rather, if one knows my identity then several of the people I don�t name to avoid L'Shon Harah become obvious and I am over the issur after all.

However, this once I will be breaking the rule to post the bellow letter by Rabbi Aryeh Ginzberg, of the Chofetz Chaim Torah Center in Cedarhurst, NY. It addresses the recent child abuse charges within the Jewish community and specifically an alleged Psak given regarding such molestations:

Dear Community Members

Over the last few days, a number of people have brought to my
attention an article from a secular publication asserting that a
world-renowned Rosh Hayeshiva issued a halachic ruling regarding child molestation. This alleged ruling � through this publication � has resulted in widespread Chilul Hashem and gross misrepresentation of clear and indisputable Halacha.

The purpose of this letter is not to address the context of the quote, the alleged ruling in question or the specifics of the primary accusations made in the article. This letter is about clarifying the position of halacha with regard to child abuse, to the extent that position has been clouded by these recent events. Moreover, this letter is about urgently disseminating essential halachic facts which -- hopefully -- will serve to mitigate the potential damage and destruction caused by this mischaracterization.

It is incumbent upon all Rabbonim worldwide to unite and unequivocally declare that Orthodox Judaism absolutely forbids child abuse of any kind � sexual and non-sexual. And, as with any other allegation of halachic wrongdoing, the appropriate testimony must be given, and the appropriate proceedings must be convened, in order to establish the truth of any accusations.

Allow me to be among the first to make this declaration, and I speak not only for myself but also for the Rosh Hayeshiva named in this publication, with whom I have consulted:

Sexually abusing a child in any form is a flagrant violation of our Torah. Halacha absolutely prohibits any and all such conduct. No "benchmark" exists to qualify a sexually motivated act as child molestation, and there are no "technical defenses" to justify child abuse. To be crystal clear: the touching of a child in a sexual manner is utterly forbidden by our Torah and by our mesorah.

It is my hope and prayer that this letter will serve to clarify any confusion about the Torah view on these very serious issues.Obviously, this is not a scholarly letter or article -- now is not the time for Talmudic sources, lengthy discussions or intellectual debates. It is simply the time to set the record straight � solely for the purpose of abruptly ending the Chilul Shaim Shomayim facilitated by the dissemination of the supposed Torah viewpoint reported in the article.

Child abuse is forbidden. An issue this easy does not need further clarification. It is my sincere hope that, in consultation with other Rabbonim in our community, we can collectively and effectively formulate appropriate strategies to ensure that the issue of child abuse is dealt with appropriately, proactively and swiftly in our community and beyond.

Good Shabbos.

Rabbi Aryeh Ginzberg
Chofetz Chaim Torah Center
Cedarhurst, NY

I am glad to see Rabbonim coming forward publically and dencouncing what I am being Dan L'Kav Z'chut is a misquote. Should it not be, well, it's even better to see it being denounced then.

I hope when this matter is discussed in various shuls this Shabbos, this respons is included.

I wish everyone a Shabbath Shalom/