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From: rhendel@king.mcs.drexel.edu (Russell Hendel)
Date: Thu, 23 May 1996 18:58:42 -0400
Subject: Does the Torah Really Believe in Psychology--Version 2

I would like to add fuel to the recent discussions about slit
skirts. Several readers still think that we have gone way to far.

This is not true. Part of our belief in the coming of Mashiach is
restoration of the Sanhedrin and it explicitly states, Rambam, Laws of
Temple Entry, 6:11 and chapter 8, that a major preoccupation of the
sanhedrin is checking priests for deficiency in physical appearance or
lineage.  This includes 7 disqualifications for "improper eyebrow
appearance" as well as 16 testicle qualifications. Surely discussion of
slit skirts is not inferior. I would like to suggest that halachah sees
as its goal the "Torahization" of human impulses by raising them to a
halachically discussable level.

Towards this end let me quote a question by Kestenbaum who inquires
about a girl who thinks her 3 inch slits attract all eyes in a 3 mile
radius.  Apparently this girl has problems whether she wears slits or
not. I think we all agree with Kestenbaum (about the girls problems). So
let me therefore refocus the discussions on slit skirts to discussions
onhow to deal with Kestenbaums (hypothetical) girl. What does halachah
suggest we do withsuch a person.

There appear to be 5 answers. I invite discussion on them
 Answer 1) Ignore the girl...no dicussion canhelp her
 Answer 2) Women's point of view: It is her dress; let her do what she wants
 Answer 3) Men's point of view: Don't wear dresses because it arouses
wrong feelings in men.
 Answer 4) Psychologists point of view: Don't impose values but do
discuss. Allow subject to become aware of differing viewpoints on dress
and form her own viewpoint on how to deal with different situations. The
psychologists role is to help guide her into this self discovery.
 Answer 5) TOrah point of view(?): Impose values AND recognize
needs. Inform her that sometimes Torah encourages her to
attract(e.g. wearing jewelry) and sometimes she must abstain from
arousing men. Lead her thru sources so that she will know the proper way
in each case as well as where there is no 1 answer

Which way is right? I invite answers from parents, psychologists,and
Torahites.

Russell Jay Hendel, rhendel @ mcs . drexel . edu