Q&A: A Question Regarding Eligibility to Serve as a Wedding Witness
A Question Regarding Eligibility to Serve as a Wedding Witness
Question
Hello Rabbi Abraham,
I would be glad to receive a halakhic answer regarding the following matter:
A close friend of mine is getting married soon and asked me to serve as his witness. We are not related, and I am a religious person who observes the commandments, both in practice and in how I see myself. However, for a very long time I have not been saying the weekday prayers (including putting on tefillin), aside from Sabbath prayers. This troubles me, and it stems from weakness and the burden of day-to-day life, not from lack of faith. Likewise, in other areas my observance of the commandments and my morality have not been affected.
Assuming that I do have an aspiration to return to myself in this area immediately (though I would prefer not to take on any formal halakhic commitment beyond a desire to make an effort), does the above disqualify me from serving as a witness? Should I tell him to choose someone else?
Thank you very much
Answer
There is no problem with your serving as a witness. In any case, even if it is hard for you to go to the synagogue, you can put on tefillin at home and say at least the Shema, and very preferably also the Amidah.
Discussion on Answer
Following up on this question: what is the criterion for disqualification from testimony nowadays?
It has nothing to do with nowadays. A witness is disqualified only if he is suspected with regard to the matter about which he is testifying, or if he is a transgressor of an offense punishable by lashes or death. That does not apply here, since this is a case of neglecting a positive commandment.
I understand—you made me happy. In any case, I’ll make an effort in that direction, without a vow. Thank you very much for the quick answer!