In our last poll, we inquired:
POLL: The Halachic Process
Which statements resonate with you?
A) There is but a single Halachah. It is the posseiq's job to determine Hashem's will and to strive to bring about universal conformity to that r'tzon Hashem. Poskim, as such, should communicate to present a single unified conclusion.
B) Halachah is complex. Each poseiq sorts out the sources as best as he can and presents what he believes is the correct conclusion. As such, there may be competing answers to a given question and this is the accepted reality of psak.
C) Halachah is only a means to an end. Whatever promotes the greatest level of "frumkeit" should be advocated by all, in order to engender higher levels of observance
D) Halachah should be tailored to the asker. For example, certain people should be permitted to eat ice cream and coffee in certain unsupervised establishments, and to rely upon hazaqah. From others - more should be expected. Each case merits a unique tailored answer.
E) Halachah is about communal standards. The important thing as a Halachic society is that all within the community should be on the same page as to kashrut, Shabbat etc. So that people can visit and dine with each other freely w/o fear of practices that deviate from communal norms.
POLL: The Halachic Process
Which statements resonate with you?
A) There is but a single Halachah. It is the posseiq's job to determine Hashem's will and to strive to bring about universal conformity to that r'tzon Hashem. Poskim, as such, should communicate to present a single unified conclusion.
B) Halachah is complex. Each poseiq sorts out the sources as best as he can and presents what he believes is the correct conclusion. As such, there may be competing answers to a given question and this is the accepted reality of psak.
C) Halachah is only a means to an end. Whatever promotes the greatest level of "frumkeit" should be advocated by all, in order to engender higher levels of observance
D) Halachah should be tailored to the asker. For example, certain people should be permitted to eat ice cream and coffee in certain unsupervised establishments, and to rely upon hazaqah. From others - more should be expected. Each case merits a unique tailored answer.
E) Halachah is about communal standards. The important thing as a Halachic society is that all within the community should be on the same page as to kashrut, Shabbat etc. So that people can visit and dine with each other freely w/o fear of practices that deviate from communal norms.
Your Responses (total 10)
Option A - 10% (1)
Option B - 80% (8)
Option C - 10% (1)
Option D - 50% (5)
Option E - 30% (3)
Comments
Rabbi Hecht
It would seem that the vast majority of respondents to this poll understand the Halachic system for what it is -- a system of thought that applies variant principles and ideas in the determination of God's directive to us. It is hazy but intentionally so -- for God wanted us to think, investigate and analyze in the determination of His Will. The further issue for this vast majority would seem to have been how to include the specific circumstances in this determination. There is the objective, theoretical determination of what one believes to be the law and then there is the question of this determination in specific circumstances -- when the one asking is poor, when the answer will affect the community. There would seem to be Halachic issues in this regard as well and the disagreement in regard to how we answer these questions seems to have surfaced within this poll as well.
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