The following is a letter written by Rav Aharon Feldman shlita, Rosh Yeshivah of Ner Israel in Baltimore, to a disciple of his:

Dear ***,

My short visit to Israel last week was, among other reasons, to ascertain Rav Elyashiv's reason for the issur on Nosson Slifkin's books. Contrary to rumors, I did not travel on anyone's behalf.

Rav Eliashiv felt that the hashkofos of the books regarding Chazal and the age of the universe are forbidden to be taught, and this despite the fact that others, even great people (such as R.Avraham ben HaRambam, Pachad Yitzchok and, in our times, Rav Dessler and R.Shimon Schwab) may have said similar things. "They were permitted to say these things, but we may not," he said. In other words, the halacha is not like them.

Most important, Rav Eliashiv said that by his signature on the public announcement regarding the books he did not mean to rule that the author is a min or kofer. As far as he is concerned, Rav Eliashiv said, "the author could be one of the lamed vov tzadikim"; the books nevertheless are forbidden to read. He was surprised when he was shown that the announcement described the books as kefira and minus. He then dictated a statement to me,in the presence of his secretary, Rav Yosef Efrati, and one of his grandsons, which read as follows:

כוונתי כשהצטרפתי לקול קורא  היתה רק בנוגע שהספרים אסורים לבא בקהל

or, "My intention when I added my name to the public announcement [regarding the issur] was only regarding that the books should not enter the Jewish community." The word "only" was meant to specifically exclude the implication that the author is a heretic.

With best wishes,

Aharon Feldman

NOTE from Natan Slifkin:
While I was initially unclear as to Rav Elyashiv's position, and have received conflicting reports, my understanding is now as follows: Rav Elyashiv does not feel that the books are literally heresy (hence his surprise at seeing the wording of the ban), but rather that they are extremely inappropriate for his community (a view with which I would largely agree). It is also his belief that it is acceptable to colloquially term this "heresy" (as is clear from his letter to Rav Wachtfogel that he stands by the wording of the ban). I am sure that Rav Elyashiv is aware that one of his mentors, Rav Yitzchak Herzog, held similar views as me regarding Torah and science. Rabbi Beryl Weisbord of Ner Israel, who was present at the meeting between Rav Feldman and Rav Elyashiv, reports that Rav Feldman asked Rav Elyashiv if the books may be used in an outreach context and Rav Elyashiv replied in the affirmative. I am told that Rav Aharon Feldman likewise permits certain people to read my books. This further confirms my understanding that Rav Elyashiv does not consider them to be bona fide heresy, merely severely inappropriate for his community.

Back to main page