Q&A: Make for Yourself a Rabbi
Make for Yourself a Rabbi
Question
After I saw that in one of your articles you wrote the phrase, “the great leaders of the generation, yeah right,” I’d be glad to know who, in your view, are the great leaders of the generation.
Also, are there rabbis whose halakhic rulings you would recommend following, and whose books one should study in these generations?
Thank you.
Answer
I’ve already been asked this, and I have nothing to answer. As for studying, it’s worthwhile to learn from everyone. Each person should learn what speaks to him. When people speak about the great leaders of the generation, they mean leadership, not scholarly prominence. I don’t recommend following anyone’s halakhic rulings. Whoever is capable enough should rule for himself. Whoever is not should choose a rabbi according to his own preference.
Discussion on Answer
If you mean spiritual leadership (as I defined it), then there aren’t any. Great scholars—maybe there are. I haven’t checked. Why is that interesting?
Thank you very much for the reply—I still didn’t understand. So according to the Rabbi, who are the great leaders of the generation today?