Like in the Jewish community in general, the "online rabbis" are a mixed bag. The difference is that whereas in the general community, especially in a large city, charlatans will be quickly identified, with warnings put out for the public, an online rabbi, unless he gathers large numbers of followers, will generally be ignored by the "mainstream" and stay under the radar.. This enables many with little training, no credentials, who may not even be Jewish, to worm their way into the hearts and minds of a group of followers, often swindling their victims out of large sums. In some cases, they turn out to be sexual predators. Other self proclaimed rabbis, are convinced that they have found a totally new interpretation of a passage in RAMBAM, and dedicate their lives to preaching their New Truth. Some are mainly rabble-rousers, of one political ideology or another, who lend an air of respectability by using the title "rabbi". And then there are missionaries, using the term "rabbi" as a deception in order to convert Jews to other faiths. I will deal with these one by one.
First of all, I would like to say that the vast majority of online rabbis are learned and sincere men. True, Gedolim rarely do YouTube broadcasts, although their followers may put their lectures "out there". But typically, the online rabbis, like their synagogue counterparts, have studied in Yeshivot, and usually possess a smichah. (Many perform professional roles in the rabbinate aside from their online activities). Like most rabbis "in the field", they usually do not possess great erudition, but have sufficient knowledge to explain basic Jewish concepts, explain everyday halachah, and impart a love of Judaism. My main criticism of these rabbis is like my criticism of ArtScroll; superficial, painting an unrealistic picture of Jewish life (Jewish families have no strife, there is no alcoholism or substance abuse, no emotional/psychological problems, and most important EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE). I think that people who are attracted by these platitudes may come to Judaism, but they don't stay. I am reminded of Woody Allen's brilliant "Spring Bulletin", where he describes the course "Economics 101" as "the study of money and why it's good". There are people on this group who came to Judaism through the teachings of Rabbi Nachman, only to be told by this ilk of rabbi that it is "forbidden" to read these books. Of course, Rabbi Nachman deals with bad habits, strife in families, depression...none of which exists in Orthodoxy (according to these men). A subgroup of these are rabbis who put their main efforts into "counter missionary" activities. These men are both dedicated and sincere. Personally, I question this format being online, where it serves as fuel for antisemitism. I would prefer to see this type of work done on a one-on-one basis, rather than openly declaring billions of people to be either frauds or idiots. Next, we have equally sincere rabbis, who come with a message of faith and inspiration. Some, like Dror Moshe Cassouto, are widely persecuted. He makes it very clear that he is NOT an ordained rabbi, but is merely sharing the insights that have meant so much to him. Why is he hated? He speaks to non-Jews. He speaks to women. He favors speaking even with great sinners. More important, perhaps, is that he is not on anyone's "team". He is seen as a loose cannon. This, despite the fact that he inspires many, rather than put them to sleep. (Now perhaps you can understand why I stay anonymous). Then there are the rabble-rousers. We must hate someone. Perhaps it's the Muslims. Perhaps it's the Christians. Perhaps it's non Orthodox Jews. In the case of one such rabbis (who insists he has smichah but just doesn't want to show it) all of our problems are rooted in the basic impiety and immorality of Jewish women. He has been denounced by nearly every major rabbi, but still has a following of thousands. He boldly states that Chabad rabbis are going to Gehinnom, and Breslovers are idolaters, but goes ballistic when anyone criticizes him, declaring it lashon hara (slander). But many people love those who speak in absolutes, especially if they call themselves Orthodox rabbis. I will deal with the "New Truthers" and the Missionary rabbis in my next post. Stay tuned.
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