Q&A: A Rabbi Who Became Formerly Religious
A Rabbi Who Became Formerly Religious
Question
A rabbi in an official role—a yeshiva lecturer or a community rabbi—who has come to the conclusion that he believes in nothing at all. He has not revealed this to a living soul. Is it acceptable for him to remain in his position? At a superficial glance, no effect of his views is noticeable in his behavior / talks / rulings / lessons / dress.
What if he functions as a kind of remote halakhic decisor, answering questions by phone and so on, but without any personal acquaintance, either on the part of those asking or on the part of the rabbi?
Answer
I think not. First, words of truth are recognizable, and his educational influence could be harmful. Second, the rulings themselves may change if he is not God-fearing.
Even as a remote halakhic decisor it is not appropriate, at least for the second reason.
Discussion on Answer
My moral obligation is not to force things on a person that he himself does not want, especially when he is paying me for something he does not know he is getting, and the presumption is that he does not want it.
With God’s help, eve of the holy Sabbath, “These are the stages of their journeys,” 5781
To Zalman — greetings,
Ups and downs in faith are a common thing. A person who feels “empty” today may tomorrow feel meaning, understanding, and vitality. Therefore, in my humble opinion, it is proper to uphold: “If the spirit of the ruler [= the evil inclination] rises against you—do not leave your place.”
The very raising of the question testifies that the questioner has high moral sensitivity, and that morality will stand by him so that he will not cause those who ask him halakhic questions to stumble in matters of Jewish law. And the merit of the many will stand by him to emerge from the crisis of faith that has befallen him.
With Sabbath blessings and wishes for a good new month, Ami’oz Yaron, may his Rock and Redeemer preserve him.
The argument that “if they knew, they would fire him” is also unclear. “The public” prefers that its individuals continue to keep a Torah way of life, in the hope that “after the actions, the hearts will be drawn along.”
Thank you.
The question is whether he himself should resign (depending on the circumstances). Is the answer yes? Presumably the community, if it really knew, would not want him—but why is that his concern?