Q&A: Heretic
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Heretic
Question
A person who examined things and reached the conclusion that, in his view, Judaism is not the correct religion.
How is one supposed to relate to him (from the standpoint of Jewish law and in general)?
Answer
Politely. I didn’t understand the question. Be more concrete.
Discussion on Answer
There are lots of details, and each one has to be discussed on its own merits. Such a person is under duress if he באמת examined things properly and this is truly his genuine view. So he bears no guilt. He does not deserve sanctions. But obviously he cannot join a prayer quorum, because he is not someone subject to prayer. He cannot fulfill commandments, because he does not acknowledge any commandment. There’s no point listing everything here. That is his status.
I know he’s not allowed to pour wine for you. Are there other issues like that?