The Importance Of Yichud
Dear Editor,
I was horrified to read the account of the woman who was assaulted by a man she was dating (Dating Forum, March 8). The advice Mrs. Sebrow gave this woman was correct and I hope the woman will follow it, for her own healing as well as to prevent this man from assaulting any other woman ever again.
I would like to add one other important point in this context — strict adherence to the laws of yichud.
I’m not blaming the victim; regardless of whether the victim in this case was drugged by this evil man (as suggested as a possibility by Mrs. Sebrow) or if he used some other form of coercion or intimidation to lure her to a secluded area, she is not be blamed for his monstrous behavior in any case.
However, for the general public, especially other men and women dating, it is important to bring up this point. A man or a woman dating must insist on adhering to the laws of yichud at all times, and if the other party suggests being lax about them, that in itself is a major red flag and the date should be broken off immediately. The adherence to these laws protects the woman from being assaulted and protects the man from sinning and from false accusations.
I would like to conclude by wishing that the victim of this horrific experience should be healed in body and spirit and be able to get married to a loving and respectful man in the near future.
Rabbi Pesach Schmerling
Chabad of Far Rockaway
