Q&A: Questions
Questions
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I would like to ask two questions:
1. I write sacred scroll text with a graphic marker. If a customer wants to buy a mezuzah, do I need to tell him what I write with?
2. Regarding "the law of the kingdom is law." In simple terms, this rule gives halakhic validity to the laws of the kingdom (government). But nowadays part of that authority also includes the judicial branch. How does that fit with the prohibition on going to secular courts?
Thank you.
Answer
1. I don't know what a graphic marker is, but clearly the product needs to be transparent to the consumer. He has the right to decide whether this is what he wants or not, even if in your opinion it's completely fine.
2. A great deal has been written about this. Briefly: there are medieval authorities (Rishonim) who wrote that "the law of the kingdom is law" does not apply in the Land of Israel. Even if it does apply, an alternative Jewish legal system is not valid, even if it has force by virtue of "the law of the kingdom is law." Some have written that the problem lies in the identity of the judges (who are unfit to serve as rabbinic judges). Search online and you'll find a lot of material.