Q&A: The Chazon Ish, of blessed memory
The Chazon Ish, of blessed memory
Question
Do you see the Chazon Ish as Haredi (fanatical)? That is, are the Haredim right in their actions, supposedly in the name of all their great rabbis? In your view, is the Chazon Ish included in that as well?
Answer
He certainly was Haredi. I didn’t understand your question.
Discussion on Answer
I definitely respect him. I also respect Kant and Einstein. So what? Does that mean I also have to agree with him about everything? Or even about anything?
I’m not sure I understand the Rabbi’s answer. Doesn’t appreciation have to be based on some kind of agreement? That is, if the appreciation isn’t based on something you agree with (correct claims, rejecting mistaken claims, a proper way of thinking, worthy behavior, or anything along those lines), then what is it based on?
It doesn’t sound all that complicated to me. I can appreciate a person very much even if I don’t agree with him. For example, impressive conduct. That doesn’t mean his worldview is acceptable to me. And of course there can be disagreements on certain points. What is there here to explain? I’m sure that if you think for a second and read what I wrote, everything will be completely clear.
Once you wrote that you’re a great admirer of the Chazon Ish, so why don’t his actions justify his being the leader of the Haredim?