Question

I read your critical article in the journal ‘Drisha’ regarding the ruling of Rabbi Yosef Messas—very much a case of “Judah, and what’s more to be said.” A. From the words of the Ritva on Ketubot it is explicitly clear that Rashi’s intent in the first explanation is because of the immodesty of Jewish women. As I recall, this point was not mentioned in the article, and it is decisive evidence for Rashi’s own interpretation against Rabbi Yosef Messas. B. Rabbi Yosef Messas’s comments regarding Kimchit depend on a dispute among the medieval authorities (Rishonim) over the question whether the Sages rejected her practice or not; see the discussion there, and this is another way to reject his proof. More power to you for not showing favoritism in Jewish law. Go from strength to strength and succeed!