Answering Shaalos via Email

Asking Sha’alos via Email

Once upon a time, people would ask sha’alos (halachic queries) to a rav in person. In this age of technology, phoning, text messaging and email are becoming quite prevalent as a replacement to face-to-face contact.

There are many advantages to these new modes of communication, but one major drawback is that the personal element can be lost. Rabanim are often unfamiliar with the person on the other end. The identity of the inquirer, though, can have major halachic ramifications.

Finances can impact the psak (halachic ruling), since some things are permitted b’hefsed merubah (a big loss is at stake), a subjective criterion based upon a person’s economic circumstances.

Spiritual Status is a consideration. A person seeking to improve in yiddishkeit (Jewish observance) might be overwhelmed by a strict ruling, causing a setback in observance, so a takanas hashavim (dispensation for repentants) may come into play. On the other hand, a baal nefesh (particularly scrupulous individual) should be informed of additional stringencies.

Psychology: The emotional state of the inquirer must also be taken into consideration, and has bearing on p’sak (halachic ruling).

Location might be significant, since the kehilah (home community) might have an established practice, or the mara d’asra (local rabbinic authority) might have a particular approach that he believes is appropriate for his locale.

Contactability: The rav should be able to reach the questioner to modify his ruling if he discovers that a mistake was made, or if additional, crucial information comes to light.

Due to the above, it's best that people identify themselves when asking a sha’alah from a rav—whatever channels they use to communicate.

https://halacha2go.com?number=577

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.