Rumor about a Worshipper
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Question
Hello, Honorable Rabbi, Question 1: I am a gabbai in a synagogue, and people came to tell me that there is a rumor about one of the worshippers, that, God forbid, he is living with a non-Jewish woman. I asked the person who told me this how he knows, and he said he heard it from someone else. It seems to be a rumor passed from mouth to mouth, and there is no way to reach the source of the rumor to ask him on what he bases his statement. Therefore, my question is, am I obligated to approach this person to investigate and clarify these matters with him, or should I leave the situation as it is and continue to consider this person as kosher? Question 2: How should one behave with a person living with a non-Jewish woman: 1. Can he be part of a minyan? 2. Be called to the Torah? 3. Prevent him from saying Kaddish if he is in mourning? 4. Prevent him from entering the synagogue, etc.? This concerns someone who knows the prohibition. With blessings and thanks
Answer
Hello,
A. There is no reason to believe a person who himself does not say it from knowledge, but only from rumor.
There are many people who spread rumors without any basis, but only out of hatred or jealousy.
There is no reason to pay attention to the rumor, and it is not your duty to investigate it.
B. 1. No. 2. No. 3. Do not prevent him. 4. Do not prevent him.
Source
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita