Q&A: Halakhic Rulings
Halakhic Rulings
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi.
As I understand it, the Rabbi holds that a person should issue rulings independently and autonomously, based on his own judgment after studying the Talmud and the medieval authorities (Rishonim), and indeed that is how they educate and encourage us in yeshiva, and that is what I try to do.
I wanted to ask how I should rule in situations (and there are many) in which I truly have no way to decide between the sides. That is, both sides seem very reasonable to me, the arguments and proofs in every direction seem more or less equal, and I do not see any decisive advantage to one side over the other. Should I preferably be stringent? Preferably lenient? Rule according to the view that most people follow? Decide based on the halakhic decisor I rely on more? Flip a coin?
Thanks in advance.
Answer
There are laws for cases of doubt. That too is part of Jewish law.
If this is a legal doubt and you have no position, some argue that you should be stringent, but according to many views the laws of doubt apply here as well. If there is an established custom, it certainly carries weight, and if you do not have a clear position otherwise, follow the custom (if the law is shaky in your hands, go after the custom). If there are several customs and there is a halakhic decisor you rely on, you can follow him. Of course, not choosing a different decisor each time (“the leniencies of this one and the leniencies of that one—that is wicked”).