machmir

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew מַחְמִיר (“makhmir”)

Adjective

machmir (comparative more machmir, superlative most machmir)

1. (Judaism) Being the strictest interpretation of the law; following this interpretation.
   • 2000 September 19, Lisa Beth, “Rabi Shmuli Boteach refuted”, in soc.culture.jewish.moderated‎^[1] (Usenet):

     If I'd let people in my shul know I was gay prior to getting involved with my partner, they would have distanced themselves from me as if I was some kind of pariah. No violation of sex laws even according to the most machmir views; merely the fact of *being* gay.

   • 2008 July 16, Jessie Fischbein, “Being Machmir”, in The Jewish Star‎^[2]:

     Is it serving Hashem to be machmir and resentful, rather than adhere to the letter of the law and be relaxed and happy?