Forum Takana

Two major incidents stirred the religious community about a decade ago. Well known rabbis were accused of sexually abusing and exploiting women who were being consulted and guided by them individually and spiritually. The religious community stood helpless to the fact that rabbis or role models with such strength and authority were able to perform such indecent acts to women dependent on them and seeking their leadership and guidance. The women complaining were blamed for false accusations and presented as mentally disturbed. The religious community invests endless efforts and energies in education toward modest relationships between the sexes, intended to be built on yirat shamayim (fear of heaven), tzniut (modesty) and kedusha (holiness). Moreover, we invest much toward cultivating respect and honor for Torah and those who hold it, Torah scholars and rabbis in general. When both these value systems collide and conflict, we do not have a structured way of dealing with it. This poses a genuine threat on our existence as a normative societal group. From the reports received from the crisis centers for sexually abused women, it appears that only a small percentage of the victims turn to these centers for support and of those, even a smaller percentage are willing to complain and bring the issue to the attention of the law authorities. The difficulty of being further exposed, of standing up against the attacker who is a figure of authority and influence in addition to the interrogation of the lawyer, are the main reasons for the victims not turning to the police. Even a smaller percentage of those turning for help are religious women. The revelation of their sexual exploitation in such a manner endangers their authenticity and they prefer to remain silent.

Address Rabbi Zvi Yehuda 5c
City Jerusalem
Zip Code 96103
Country Il
Website takana.org.il
ID Number 58-0519692
SFC Number SCF-1726

If you wish to make a contribution to Forum Takana please click the Donate Now button. If you’d like to see other options for donating please click here