Great authority over the community
Hello, and have a good week.
As I understand it, correct me if I’m wrong, a rabbi’s authority over his community stems from the fact that the members of the community accepted him over them. According to this, I as an individual am obligated. Indeed, the acceptance came from the power of the community to which I belong.
I asked: Am I blocked? I believe the community’s decision is wrong. I disagree with the rabbi’s halakhic view. Can I disagree with him? The question is divided into two: First, can I remain within the community structure and at the same time disagree with the rabbi? Second, is it possible to leave the community? What does that mean? Does it have to be expressed in something?
Another question: If it is possible to leave the community, a person who wishes to leave Judaism. He does not agree with the acceptance of his ancestors. Can he leave? And even if he can, God will come to him with claims, meaning is there a fundamental reason why he should be Jewish in particular?
Thanks for everything!
Indeed, the authority of a community rabbi is by virtue of what they have accepted (contractual principles). Therefore, in principle, a person cannot withdraw from it because he has signed a contract. It is true that he has the right to leave the community and then he is not bound by the contract. But as long as he is in the community, there is no possibility of violating the contract. Leaving the community is not a decision of the heart, but involves practical steps (otherwise the contract is void). Not praying in the synagogue and not participating in community events (not enjoying what it gives to its members).
But it should be noted that a rabbi’s authority is with regard to public questions (what to do in court or at public events), and not with regard to a person’s conduct in their home. There, in my opinion, he has no authority and you can do whatever you see fit.
You can disagree with the rabbi and express a different position, and it is certainly even worth trying to convince him (with respect), but the bottom line is that what he determines is what is binding.
It’s true that I’m not a formalist, and therefore when the rabbi exaggerates, there is certainly room to deviate from his instructions, and certainly when that is the opinion of the entire community (and not just your opinion).
Regarding leaving Judaism, that’s a different matter. Here it’s a contract with God, and therefore, according to most opinions, you cannot deviate from it. In principle, he has the authority to force you even without your consent, but he chose not to use it. It is true that there were opinions among the early Jews that it was possible to leave Judaism, and therefore they considered a convert to be a gentile. But this is not ruled in the law.
You wrote: “Regarding leaving Judaism, that is a different matter. Here it is a contract with God, and therefore, according to most opinions, you cannot deviate from it” – And what about the moral act? What is the fault of the person whose ancestors took upon themselves the system? (And not the price of every contract from which the person can withdraw)?
God knows that this contract is for the good of man and the world, and therefore does not allow anyone to break it.
Furthermore, even a child cannot break his commitment to his parents.
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