Q&A: Make for Yourself a Rabbi
Make for Yourself a Rabbi
Question
Dear Rabbi, can I define you as my rabbi if I follow your rulings and writings even though we don’t have a personal relationship?
Besides that, I wanted to say that I really enjoy your writings
and the wonderful ideology as a whole; I learn a tremendous amount from you!
Answer
Hello Bar.
You can define whatever you want, but I don’t see any practical difference. What practical difference would it make whether I am your rabbi or not? That you would have to stand up when you see me? That you wouldn’t be able to issue a halakhic ruling when I am within three parasangs? You are released from that.
In any case, thanks for the warm words, and best of luck with everything.
Discussion on Answer
With God’s help, Purim 5780
To Bar — greetings,
It seems that under the influence of Purim your version got turned around. Instead of “Make for yourself a rabbi and remove yourself from doubt,” one should read: “Pay attention to every Bar and make light of the ruling.”
With blessings, Ragniol Tz”sh
I’m not against your making for yourself a rabbi, only that there’s no practical difference to the question of whether so-and-so is this person’s rabbi. Find people you can learn from, and learn from them.
There’s no practical halakhic difference regarding which rulings to follow?
Not at all. What practical difference would there be? If he asks me, he’ll do what I tell him, and if he asks someone else, he’ll do what that other person tells him. The declaration that so-and-so is his rabbi has no practical significance.
Well, maybe things like going to greet one’s rabbi on the festival, and the like.
Thank you, honorable Rabbi. The question then is: why does it say, “Make for yourself a rabbi”?