Q&A: Beit Hillel
Beit Hillel
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi!
In one of the comments on the latest article, you wrote that you were invited to join the rabbis' organization "Beit Hillel," and you refused, partly because it cheapens the concept of rabbi and female rabbi/spiritual leader (I hope I understood correctly; if not, I'd be glad to be corrected), and also for other reasons that you did not spell out. Could you explain to us why? From my impression, on many issues and ideas you agree, so why not?
Thank you in advance.
Answer
The clear-minded people of Jerusalem used to check who was sitting with them at a meal. When there is a group that makes decisions together, there are situations in which the majority overrides the minority, and the minority signs together with them on the decision, as in a religious court. I thought there would be decisions that I would not agree to sign even if there were a majority against me, because I do not value the knowledge and expertise of all the men and women there. The titles "rabbi" and "female rabbi/spiritual leader" are handed out there far too broadly. I would add that for similar reasons, in general I do not join organizations, since they speak collectively.