After a recent article in The Jewish Week on accusations of abuse by Rav Aharon Bina, head of an all-male yeshiva in Old Jerusalem, was published to much controversy, the Jewish blogosphere exploded with the aftershocks. From a blog where critics of Bina’s methods and teaching style can vent their frustrations and even their trauma, to pieces coming to the defense of the article’s authors, it’s safe to say this discussion won’t die down for a while. And that’s a good thing.
What’s been most troubling about this whole debacle (and there’s a lot to be troubled by) is how the authors of the original piece have been harassed by some of Rav Bina’s supporters, most notably, by another rabbi. Those who don’t wish for the dialogue to continue may be tempted to invoke “lashon hara” (literally, the evil tongue, or slander) in an effort to curb the effects the article has had. But lashon hara only occurs when nothing can be gained by the speech. And if abuses have in fact taken place, and nothing has effectively halted them as of yet, then speech is exactly what the doctor ordered. In point of fact, speaking out may be the only thing that can help at this stage.
Make no mistake, accusations are tricky things. There’s truth, perspective, and bias to contend with. But as I see it, leaders in religious communities have to expect that their methods, means, and pasts will at some point come under scrutiny by others. The very role of a religious leader is such that some form of higher standard and transparency are expected. That isn’t to say leaders can’t make mistakes; sure they can, and it is in their mistakes that progress is made. But when mistakes turn into willful acts, then to habits, then to life choices, their charges– the laypeople, the students, the communities– have a right and a responsibility to speak up. To accuse another individual of lashon hara for that very act, or to go so far as to say, “I truly believe you are an evil person [for] trying to murder Rav Bina with your pen” runs a risk of lashon hara itself.
In all this violence of language and will, may any who have been unjustly hurt be defended and restored, may no one be unfairly found guilty, and may all involved be reminded of the dignity of human life: an idea which should remain at the core of all such debates.
