“The Crucifix-Shaped Scar”
A Moral Dilemma for the Shabbos Table
By Rabbi Yitzi Weiner
This week’s Torah portion discusses the mitzva to put tefillin on the head and on the left hand (Devarim 6:8). The commentaries explain that the mitzva of putting on tefillin symbolizes dedicating our thoughts, desires and our actions to fulfill Hashem’s will.
The following moral dilemma was asked to Rabbi Efraim Oshry during the Holocaust. He wrote this story in his collection of Responsa called Shailos V’Teshuvos Mimakamim.
In the Kovno Ghetto, all people above the age of 16 were forced to work for the Germans. The Germans forced the workers to march to work before daybreak. Many Jews felt that this was in order to prevent the Jews from putting on the tefillin which may not be put on until daybreak.
One day, a Jewish worker named Yitzchak tried to put on tefillin on his way to work. He was discovered by an SS officer, who punished him by severely beating him. The SS officer then cut a crucifix on the part of the arm that holds the tefillin. He wanted to humiliate Yitzchak and ensure that he would never put tefillin on again without revealing a cross on his arm.
After Yitzchak recovered from his injuries, he asked Rabbi Oshry the following question. The tefillin are supposed to be worn directly on his left arm, but he felt embarrassed to roll up his sleeve in a minyan and reveal the crucifix. Would he be permitted to put the tefillin on over his sleeve instead? Alternatively, would he be permitted to put the tefillin on the other arm instead?
How would you answer Yitzchak?
See Shailos V’Teshuvos Mimamakim Volume 1 Chapter 26
Answer to last week’s moral dilemma
A similar question to this one is discussed in Veharev Na Volume One page 262
All of the people who went on top of the car are equally liable. It was not their car and they are all responsible for its damage.
Have a very beautiful Shabbos!
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