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  • עברית

I am frightened that very personal things I have said to a rabbi may be forced out of him by my husband's lawyer as part of divorce proceedings at the rabbinical court. If the rabbi does give testimony, can he be forced to reveal those things?

No! Absolute privilege applies to things said to a rabbi, or any religious figure of similar standing such as a priest. A rabbi cannot be made to reveal 'secrets' or confidential information by a rabbinical court. He 'holds' the privilege, and can divulge this information, wholly in part, if he chooses, but cannot be forced to do so. Unless this privilege existed, and were respected, people would be loathe to confide in rabbis.