The 13 Fundamental Principles Of Our Torah Tradition

With Tolerance, Respect, and Love for Jews of Other Torah Traditions

Principle 5 – When to be Strict, When to be Lenient

Whenever there is doubt regarding any matter of halakhah (for example, if the text is unclear, or there is a difference of opinion between two reliable sources), one must always be strict in a matter of Torah Law, and lenient in a matter of rabbinical law.

It is safe to say that across the breadth of the Orthodox spectrum, all are aware of the Sages’ directive to be strict in a case of doubt in a matter of Torah law. However, most are not aware that the RaMBaM relates the directive to be lenient in a matter of rabbinical law in the same terminology. ⁽¹⁾Hil. Mamrim 1:9(5)