Helping Father Learn; Geneivat Da’at
Question
Questions related to halachot:
1. My father relies on me in order to understand the Daf Yomi by explaining it to me and answering questions that arise. This is especially on Shabbatot, when he does not have another chavruta. Must I refuse him and stop helping him on the grounds of “מלמדה תפלות” (“teaching her tiflut” — teaching her impropriety/frivolity)?
I think that this involves honoring parents, and I also feel that I am assisting in Torah study. Should I stop or continue?
2. Is it a problem to speak in a way that is understood differently from the truth? In terms of geneivat da’at or deception... causing the other person to understand something that is not factually correct. This happens to me often, and I usually use it in order to smooth things over and to prevent an unpleasant feeling for myself or for others. For example, when a friend asks, “Did you pray for me?” — to answer, “What do you think?!” when the answer is no.
1. My father relies on me in order to understand the Daf Yomi by explaining it to me and answering questions that arise. This is especially on Shabbatot, when he does not have another chavruta. Must I refuse him and stop helping him on the grounds of “מלמדה תפלות” (“teaching her tiflut” — teaching her impropriety/frivolity)?
I think that this involves honoring parents, and I also feel that I am assisting in Torah study. Should I stop or continue?
2. Is it a problem to speak in a way that is understood differently from the truth? In terms of geneivat da’at or deception... causing the other person to understand something that is not factually correct. This happens to me often, and I usually use it in order to smooth things over and to prevent an unpleasant feeling for myself or for others. For example, when a friend asks, “Did you pray for me?” — to answer, “What do you think?!” when the answer is no.
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah,
A. You may assist him in learning, and there is a mitzvah in doing so.
B. It is forbidden to engage in geneivat da’at, but in order to prevent a quarrel or to make peace, it is permitted.
Comments
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