Orthodox Jewish Brooklyn-based Hasidic newspaper Der Zeitung cut Hillary Clinton from White House picture

by fawn

Hillary Clinton has been edited out of this picture by hasidim in brooklyn

Hillary Clinton has been edited out of this picture by hasidim in brooklyn

I saw the coverage on the altered picture that a Orthodox Jewish Hasidic paper "Der Zeitung" published with the explanation that Sec. Clinton and another from the White House were cut out from the Bin Laden raid photo because it would be considered sexually suggestive.


I've done some research and all of the history regarding Orthodox Judiaism & their sects does not mention this.

Can you refer me to where this information can be found.

I'm not passing judgment I was just curious as it seems so many in the blogsphere/twitter etc. The world are condemning this practice.

What did they do when Golda Meier was PM of Isreal. What if Clinton was President, would they have run no picture?

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

fawn




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Orthodox Jewish Brooklyn-based Hasidic newspaper Der Zeitung cut Hillary Clinton from White House picture

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May 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Picture of Hillary Clinton / Picture of women
by: Chava

Dear Fawn -

I appreciate your taking your time to write to me to try to understand this issue.

There is no Halachic ruling in Jewish law forbidding from putting in female pictures in newspapers. There is a general Bible commandment to refrain from sexual thought (Numbers 15:39) that result into sexual action outside of marriage.

In Shulchan Aruch (The book of code of Jewish law, Eben Huezer 21:1) it states that a person should go far far from women and shouldn't have any type of relation (The Shilchun Urech mentions an example of winking with eye to a female etc.) that can result into further closeness. Therefore any type of relation that is beyond professional or business needed contact is to be omitted by Orthodox Jews.

Although most people within Orthodox Judaism don't take this so far, the Hasidic sect took this a step further.

The Hasidim have strict segregation customs, that isn't required by Jewish law, in order to keep stronger guidelines in the above Shulchen Urech mentioned. Therefore hasidic Jewish magazines and newspapers will never have any female picture, even of an Orthodox Jewish Hasidic women. All news articles will be tailored to meet those standards. They also don't watch tv and read the general secular media for the above reason.

And no, they wouldn't publish any picture from Golda Meir, as they didn't publish any picture while Hillary Clinton ran for President, although they respect them.

It is important to note that this is not the majority of Orthodox Judaism, but a nice percentage of them.

(You can read more on the Hasidic culture in multiple pages on my website).

I hope this clarifies the situation a bit. For more info, please don't hesitate to reply to this email.

All the best;

Chava
http://www.orthodox-jews.com
May 10, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Orthodox jewish Hasidic Newspaper Explains Why It Wiped Hillary Out Of the Photo:
by: Anonymous

:"Our editorial policies are guided by a Rabbinical Board and because of laws of modesty, does not allow for the publishing of photos of women. The readership of the Tzeitung believe that women should be appreciated for who they are and what they do, not for what they look like, and the Jewish laws of modesty are an expression of respect for women, not the opposite.

The allegations by some, that Orthodox Judaism denigrates women or do not respect women in public office,is a malicious slander and libel. The Jewish religion does not allow for discrimination based or gender, race, etc.

The current Secretary of State, the Honorable Hillary R. Clinton, was for eight years, a Senator representing New York State with great distinction. She won overwhelming majorities in the Orthodox Jewish communities in her initial campaign in ‘00, and when she was re-elected in ‘06 it was because the religious community, among others, appreciated her unique capabilities, talents and compassion for all.

We respect all government officials. We even have special prayers for the welfare of our Government and the government leaders.

In retrospect, we apologize for any misunderstanding that this might have caused. We should not have published the altered picture, and we have conveyed our regrets and apologies to the White House and to the State Department."
May 10, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		statement of the jewish newspaper
by: Jon

The White House released a picture showing the President following “live” the events in the apprehension of Osama Bin Laden, last week Sunday. Also present in the Situation Room were various high-ranking government and military officials. Our photo editor realized the significance of this historic moment, and published the picture, but in his haste he did not read the “fine print” that accompanied the picture, forbidding any changes. We should not have published the altered picture, and we have conveyed our regrets and apologies to the White House and to the State Department.

The allegations that religious Jews denigrate women or do not respect women in public office, is a malicious slander and libel. The current Secretary of State, the Honorable Hillary R. Clinton, was a Senator representing New York State with great distinction 8 years. She won overwhelming majorities in the Orthodox Jewish communities in her initial campaign in ‘00, and when she was re-elected in ‘06, because the religious community appreciated her unique capabilities and compassion to all communities. The Jewish religion does not allow for discrimination based on gender, race, etc.

We respect all government officials. We even have special prayers for the welfare of our Government and the government leaders, and there is no mention of gender in such prayers.

All Government employees are sworn into office, promising adherence to the Constitution, and our Constitution attests to our greatness as a nation that is a light beacon to the entire world. The First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. That has precedence even to our cherished freedom of the press! In accord with our religious beliefs, we do not publish photos of women, which in no way relegates them to a lower status. Publishing a newspaper is a big responsibility, and our policies are guided by a Rabbinical Board. Because of laws of modesty, we are not allowed to publish pictures of women, and we regret if this gives an impression of disparaging to women, which is certainly never our intention. We apologize if this was seen as offensive.

We are proud Americans of the Jewish faith, and there is no conflict in that, and we will with the help of the Almighty continue as law-abiding citizens, in this great country of our’s, until the ultimate redemption.
Jul 04, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Der Zeitung
by: Thomas

Dear Chava,
is it possible to get this newspaper with the photo without Mrs. Clinton in Europe?

With best regards
Thomas

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