Ask the Rabbi

Mill Hill Synagogue's Rabbi Yitzchak Schochet arrived in the UK from New York in 1991. He often appears on radio and television and was recently signed up by The Guardian newspaper as their resident rabbi.

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Dear Rabbi
I have been invited to a wedding at a Reform shul. As an Orthodox Jew, am I allowed to attend?
David
Dear David,
The reason Orthodox Jews do not generally attend Reform synagogues and events is to avoid showing tacit support and approval for a non-halachic approach to Judaism. Thus, if one can quietly absent oneself then that avoids any problems. If, on the other hand, by not being present one is causing grave offence such that close friendships and family relationships are put seriously at risk, then one can go but not take any pro-active part in the proceedings.
Dear Rabbi
I am currently house-hunting. Would it be forbidden for me to view a property on Shabbat? I know it's not really in the spirit, but I wouldn't be carrying anything or doing anything wrong - would I?
Jeff
Dear Jeff
If you mean just walking past the property and casting a glance - then if it is on one's normal route and this is done without any obvious extra activity it is technically OK. But if you mean going on a pre-booked viewing inside the property, then this is forbidden as it is deemed to be a form of commercial activity that is prohibited on Shabbat. Do bear in mind that the house that you are looking for will be your spiritual as well as physical home. If it is obtained through 'cutting corners' on Shabbat then this may impact on its ability to be a place of spiritual blessing for you in the future.
Dear Rabbi
Is it against our religion to donate organs? I have heard various opinions on this matter (including from Rabbi Schochet) and would really like to know your view.
Charles
Dear Charles
Organ donation is certainly not against the halacha where it will result in the imminent saving of life - indeed when this is possible it is the highest mitzvah. Religious Jews need to consider that if they wish to be recipients of this life-saving kindness - they too must participate in donation. At the same time, there is an important caveat to this procedure: that the donor is fully deceased according to Torah standards before the organ is removed. The assessment of when death has irrevocably occured is subject to detailed halachic criteria which may vary from case to case and, therefore, is beyond the scope of this short response and needs to be discussed with a competent authority on an individual basis.
Dear Rabbi
My job sometimes requires me to make decisions that I don't morally agree with. I'm not entirely comfortable about this, but I don't want to lose my job. What do you suggest?
James
Dear James
That is a challenging question. I think it rather depends on the nature of the moral issue attaching to these decisions, and one imagines that no two instances are the same. So there really cannot be a pro-forma answer here. But what can be said is that the general norms of practice in your profession give a strong indication of the acceptable moral boundaries. Perhaps what you need is someone in the same industry to talk with on a case-by-case basis when you feel uncomfortable - as well as a sympathetic rabbi!
Dear Rabbi
In terms of a kosher diet, is organic food better than non-organic as it doesn't contain any pesticides and is said to be more 'natural'?
Jessica
Dear Jessica,
While organic may be better in terms of health and purity - it really does not ensure better levels of kashrut - after all, pork can also be organically reared! Some organic products contain fewer additives and that can be helpful - but again it is no kosher guarantee.

Rabbi Schochet is away