Q&A: Jewish Law, but We Do Not Rule That Way
Jewish Law, but We Do Not Rule That Way
Question
Hello Rabbi,
On the Daf Yomi page (Sabbath 153b) it is described that the Sages knew of a permissive ruling (carrying it less than four cubits at a time) but "did not want to reveal it." It says there that only afterward did they enact a formal decree that this was forbidden, in the upper room of Hananiah son of Hezekiah.
What do you think of such a policy?
Can it fit with your view regarding the rabbi’s role in halakhic rulings (to provide the halakhic state of the data, and the person chooses whether to be stringent or lenient according to his fear of Heaven) and with your general approach of not hiding or withholding information?
Thank you,
Nathan
Answer
My general approach is that in ordinary cases information should not be hidden, and nowadays that is not practical anyway (because everything comes out in the end). In their time it was practical, because the Torah was transmitted orally and there was no internet.
Just as the Sages can forbid an act that is permitted, they can also establish an ordinance not to disclose some existing leniency.