Fear of Rabbis
I read this message on the Jewish Survivors blog and it scared me.
I then read this article on rabbis, confidentiality and other ethical issues.
I would hate for things I said in confidence spread all over the internet. I'm a survivor, I have a history that I wouldn't want makde public. I could see how easily this could happen to me.
At least if I talk to my therapist I know she is licensed and bound by confidentiality. I've been reading up on rabbis, and there is no such thing.
posted by Bughouse Square @ 7:56 PM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Find a rabbi you trust, and make it clear at the outset that what you will be talking about is very private and personal.
BTW, revealing the information you give, if it is not already known, is probably loshon hora, if it is not "litoeles" (for a constructive and unavoidably necessary purpose).
That said, if a rav does feel there is toeles involved, and there is a real reason to use your infomration, I suppose it could happen, e.g., pekuach nefoshos, or being calld to testify in a bais din. A simple way to avoid that occuring for all but the most serious stuations would be to ask him to:
1) ask a well known posek of your choosing before ever revealing anything
2) letting you know if it ever comes up
3) ask him to write you a note that e is aware of your concerns and has agreed to this
I may have painted a more pessimistic pictire than I intended. Most rabbonm are completely trustworthy, and situations where your confidence may have to bediscussed with others is rare. Even licensed therapists have to sometimes share, as when they consult a colleague. The main thing is Asei Lechah Rav -- build a string relationship with a rabbi, where there will be mutual trust.
With a therapist, if there is a breach of confidentiality, they could loose their license and be fined. You can also sue them.
With a rabbi there is nothing you can do. "IF" they are a member of a rabbinical organization, you can file a complaint, and them perhaps the organization can kick them out. But that's it. A rabbi does NOT have to be a member of an organization to continue being a rabbi.
I hate to say this, but I am also afraid to talk to a rabbi. The blog you pointed us to, validates my fears too.
this also scared me. I recently started looking for a rabbi to talk to, and now I don't want to do that.
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