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questions by non-jews

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Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Elul 16, 5779
Question
When non-jews reporters ask questions about Judaism, how should I react? shall I reply or no?
Answer
ב"ה Shalom, In general, it is forbidden to teach Torah to a non-Jew as discussed in the Talmud Chagiga 13a. However, there are differences of opinion of what exactly is included in this prohibition. Some say that it is only when it is an in depth discussion, while others says the prohibition is when people get into the deeper sources and reasons. On the other hand, Rav Ovadia Yosef zt"l, ((שו"ת יביע אומר חלק ב - יורה דעה סימן יז though he forbade teaching the written Torah or the Oral Torah to a non-Jew, in his opinion, if the Torah is being challenged or vilified, which I assume may sometimes be the case when it comes to journalists, you may answer the questions to give proper publicity, and good public relations for the Torah and not allow the Torah to come under attack . I may just add, that by doing so a person must be properly prepared in order to do the Torah a good service. All the best
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