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Orthodox Judaism/adultery
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Question
I would like an answer, with supporting authorities, on whether, in Orthodox Judaism, halakha forbids a married, Jewish man from having an affair with a married, non jewish woman. I know there will be several different views and I'd like to study the commentary.
Hi Natalie
For a start, Orthodox Judaism bans any Jewish person from having a relationship with a non-Jewish person, single or married.
The source for this is in Deuteronomy 7:3-4:
"You shall not intermarry with them; you shall not give your daughter to his son, and you shall not take his daughter for your son, for he will cause your child to turn away from after Me and they will worship the gods of others then the L–rd’s wrath will burn against you, and He will destroy you quickly."
It goes without saying that an adulterous affair is even more serious than "intermarriage". It is, after all, one of the Ten Commandments.
Have a look at this article as well: http://tinyurl.com/366fl9
I hope that this is helpful.
Rabbi Ari Shishler
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Answers by Expert:
Rabbi Ari Shishler
Expertise
I am a rabbi who loves teaching, through writing and speaking. In 1999, my wife and I started our own Chabad House and it's grown exponentially. I'm also the learning director at Chabad House of Johannesburg, a high school teacher and the father of young children. As you can imagine, I get to answer lots of questions every day. I'd be glad to answer your questions on Judaism, Jewish spirituality and practice.
Experience
I have been a practicing Orthodox rabbi since 1997 and have headed my own community since 1999.
I teach Talmud at a religious high school in Johannesburg and give daily lectures to adults on Jewish practice, spiritualty, Chassidic philosophy and Kabbalah.
I'm the campus rabbi at our two major universities in Johannesburg.
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Chabad-Lubavitch
South African Rabbinical Association.
Publications
Monthly column in Jewish Life magazine, South Africa.
Jewish Tradition, South Africa.
Jewish Report, South Africa.
South African Union of Jewish Students annual Holiday guide.
Jewish Observer, South Africa.
Nshei Chabad Newsletter, NY.
Jewish Online Magazine.
www.chabad.org
Education/Credentials
After completing high scool, I spent six years studying in Rabbinical seminaries in South Africa, Israel and New York.
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www.chabad.org
www.askmoses.com
ChaiFM (www.chaifm.com)
Jewish Life magazine
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