Q&A: Fear / Reverence for Torah Scholars
Fear / Reverence for Torah Scholars
Question
Hello Rabbi,
A question regarding the commandment of reverence for Torah scholars that is derived from the exposition on the verse, “You shall fear the Lord your God” — what is its status: Torah-level or rabbinic?
And regarding the definition of a Torah scholar who is entitled to this — I’m unsure, broadly speaking, about a Torah scholar who is clearly recognizable as such, but who holds a distorted worldview in my opinion (doesn’t serve in the army, uses Torah as a spade to dig with for a livelihood, and many more such absurdities of theirs) — is he בכלל included in “You shall fear the Lord your God” as extending to Torah scholars?
Thanks!
Answer
Simply speaking, it is Torah-level. According to Maimonides in the second root, it is of rabbinic origin. By the way, he brings this very exposition as an example.
If they are acting consistently with their own position and not just being lazy or behaving improperly, I think they are entitled to respect. Problematic conduct, such as foolish or chauvinistic remarks, may perhaps strip them of that.
Thanks.
I was reminded that they also are probably what are called “a Torah scholar who has no understanding.” And the Sages did not spare them from harsh condemnations.