Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer הרב יוסף גבריאל בקהופר
Can I Host Someone Who is Not Observant for a Meal on Yom Tov?
(And What If He Touches the Wine?)
Core Principles:
1. Torah Im Derech Eretz: A holistic approach to Yahadus includes and encourages the inclusion of secular branches of knowledge and the pursuit of other interests in a Torah framework to enhance the wisdom, character and accomplishments of individual Jews and of Jewish society.
2. Mensch-Yisroel: Individual Jews and Jewish society are meant to be good, refined and holy not only to be mekaddesh Shem Shomayim, but as the intrinsic characteristics of the Am Hashem.
3. Austritt: Torah Im Derech Eretz requires sharp definitions of what is within its compass and what is beyond its compass. Collaboration with entities beyond the scope of Torah-true values is unacceptable.
4. Eretz Yisroel: The Land of Israel is an essential component of the Jewish people’s mission on Earth, but not via nationalistic, militaristic or xenophobic modalities.
5. Torah Lishmah: Talmud Torah is of paramount importance because it guides us in knowing what to do in this world, individually and collectively. This purposeful learning of Torah is of greater significance than Torah learned for its own sake.
6. Women: The role of women in Judaism is of critical importance and as much a priority as the role of men.
7. Non-Jews: All human beings are to be treated with the dignity, respect and compassion that are due to a Tzelem Elokim.
