Disgraceful Dancing
Sounds of joy and gaiety reached my ears from the simchah hall where I went to participate at the wedding of a friend. As the band played, men and women danced together with wild abandon.
As soon as I entered, an air of decorum filled the place. The mixed dancing immediately ceased, and everyone sat down, placing a creased kippah on their heads. The place reeked of impurity. I had my qualms about staying.
But then I had second thoughts. Since I was already there, it was a golden opportunity to influence the people to change their habits. I drank “L’chaim” with the chatan. We were surrounded by celebrants, sweating from their strenuous dancing.
I called over one of the dancers. “Do you observe taharat hamishpachah?” I asked. “Certainly!” The pride was evident on his face. “I would never transgress such an important mitzvah!”
“Do you believe that dancing with your wife, and perhaps other women, is condoned by halachah? You are answerable for the various misdeeds which you committed. What is the point of keeping taharat hamishpachah only at home?!”
The man was stunned by my words. But I did not give him a chance to respond. I immediately turned on my heel and left. I truly hoped that my words fell on open ears, bringing back all of the sinners to their Heavenly Father.
