Reply To: Going off the Derech

zahavasdad-I don’t want to minimze what this man did to my son, but at the same time, I wouldn’t label him as an ‘abuser’. The word ‘abuser’ has a more sinister and ongoing connotation, and whether he is or not, I have no idea. It is sufficient for me to say that he lost control of his emotions, or he is misguided in what he thinks the Torah tells him to do, or both.

Regarding your comments about calling the police vs going to a Rav, I am reminded of a saying I once heard: “It is more important to be smart than right”. I may have reason to go to the police, and if this were more than just a (known) isolated event, I probably would. But at this point, I think it is sufficient to take him to a Beis Din.

Syag Lchochma- Thanks!