Q&A: Relying on the Rabbi’s Judgment and Integrity
Relying on the Rabbi’s Judgment and Integrity
Question
The rabbi I ask about the laws of hand-washing, meat and milk, the laws of the Sabbath, and so on, supports voting for parties that back bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in the leadership of the people.
And I’m not persuaded by his excuses and hair-splitting arguments.
My question: can one rely on his judgment and integrity when on such an important issue he fails so badly?
Both in Jewish law, and in guidance for life, and in matters of faith / belief?
Answer
Ask him what, in his opinion, is the reason he thinks that way, and if his arguments are reasonable, then even if you do not agree with them, I see no reason to cast doubt on his judgment. If his reasoning is crooked, logically or morally, I would be careful about relying on him. “If the rabbi is like an angel of the Lord of Hosts in your eyes, receive Torah from his mouth.”