Halacha Headlines 11/29/25 – Shiur 537 – Sacred Roles, Serious Risks: When Rabbis, Male Therapists, and Kiruv Professionals Work With Women
Nov 28, 2025
Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, a congregational rabbi and LCSW, highlights the delicate balance between rabbinic spiritual guidance and clinical therapy, emphasizing the importance of boundaries. Rabbi Daniel Travis discusses halachic considerations for teaching women and the prohibition of one-on-one learning due to intimacy risks. Rabbi Benzion Klatzko shares insights from decades of campus kiruv, noting emotional infidelity as a significant danger and advocating for structured transitions to female staff. The discussion stresses the need for supervision and clear policies to ensure a safe environment.
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Distinct Yet Overlapping Roles
- A rabbi guides spiritual and communal life while a therapist treats clinical emotional and psychological issues.
- Their roles overlap but require different boundaries and modes of access.
Refer When Clinical Issues Persist
- Refer to a therapist when issues involve persistent anxiety, depression, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, or self-destructive behavior.
- Refer couples to professional therapy when communication problems and emotional patterns persist despite rabbinic support.
Vulnerability Is Built Into Helping Roles
- Intimate, trust-based relationships naturally create vulnerability and boundary risks even with well-meaning professionals.
- Charisma and gratitude can become subtle channels for inappropriate attachment if unchecked.
