Q&A: Conversation
Conversation
Question
We had a talk in our pre-army academy from the rabbi about the great sages of Israel. In short, I remembered that once I heard a talk of yours where you said there are certain criteria for what, in your view, qualifies someone as a great sage of Israel or a great Torah scholar.
I’d be happy if you could lay out a few principles that, from your perspective, should be present in a great Torah scholar for him to be considered one of the great sages of Israel.
And one more challenging question: I’m interested in who, in your opinion, among the Haredi greats is called a great sage of Israel in terms of character and style of thinking, or at least who comes closest to the criteria that you think are the defining characteristics.
Many thanks!!! Have a great day 🙏
Answer
You burst through an open door. I’m writing a column about this right now.
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach is a clear example of a great Torah scholar.
Discussion on Answer
I’m interested in which principles and conditions determine this in your view. That is, what did you see in one great rabbi that you did not find in another?
Rabbi Ovadia was like that.