The Agudat Yisrael of America on Child Abuse
The special forum on child abuse at the recent Agudath Israel of America Convention in New York , has sparked a storm of controversy. Bloggers such as UOJ , Failed Messiah , Daas Torah, as well as some mainstream press , have reported the bottom line of the forum to be that, in the case of a suspicion of child abuse, one must ask a rabbi for direction, including whether or not to report this to the non-Jewish authorities. These writers have universally scorned and decried this, as breaking the law (where it conflicts with mandatory reporting) and endangering children (when the rabbi decides not to report, and the alleged offended goes on to harm more children). There is exactly the same issue in Israel ; even here in Ramat Bet Shemesh. However, I believe it is helpful to divide this minefield topic in two. Is this an appropriate shailat rav? What should the rav respond to such a shaila? Is it an appropriate shailat rav? In many frum circles, a rabbi is a centr...