Reply To: should intellectual debates be allowed in the CR?

For Jews to grow and think they must be taught the importance of debate and question, as well as the need to listen with respect. that does not mean to accept or play with ideas that directly contravene Torah teachings, but to recognise the role of debate in our learning and history. As Jews who have been scatterd around the world for so long different interpretations and practices exist to this very day. Just look at the discussion now for the CR current thread up on lead and ayin hora. On the subject of minhagim one constantly finds offerings and sources which lie more in historical legacy than Torah based fact. Certain customs especially around ayin hora often need to be firmly questioned with the Shulchan Aruch in mind. I think it is very dangerous not to teach kids to question, that is how superstitious traditions from outside of our Torah values enter our world.