Q&A: Attitude Toward Women in Jewish Law
Attitude Toward Women in Jewish Law
Question
Hello Rabbi, I would be glad to know the Rabbi's opinion regarding friendships between boys and girls from a halakhic perspective.
Is there any prohibition against a man talking with a woman even about things that are not merely technical? In a military setting where you are together with women during service, is it proper to form friendly ties with them? If so, where is the boundary?
Thank you very much!
Answer
It depends on the norms and circumstances. Halakhically, there is no prohibition at all against a friendship with a woman. Morally and value-wise as well, in my opinion there is no problem, but one should be careful not to let it lead to prohibitions. Certainly when This is a society where that is the norm, Like in the military. It is certainly not right to hurt someone because of such stringency.
“And do not engage in excessive conversation with a woman.” They said this even about one’s own wife, etc.