Charismatic Personality and Halachah part 8

How is one to know if a charismatic figure is legitimate or a fake? One excellent guideline, widely publicized during the era of cults in the 1970s and 1980s, is that a religion differs from a cult primarily in that a religion empowers, and a cult disempowers. If a charismatic figure tries to micromanage your life, control your finances, pressure you to cut ties of family and friendship, you are in the wrong place. Next, in the case of Jewish charismatic figures, if you witness non-halachic behavior from the cult leader, run.. Once again, I will take aim at those who are so afraid to speak or hear lashon hara, that they let molestation and other crimes go unreported. I know of thousands of people who refuse to believe the sworn testimony, both in Beit Din and Civil Court, of women who have been abused by a certain Jerusalem figure. Most of his many followers refuse to believe, seeing the reports as a "test" of their faith. These followers bear full responsibility for those yet to be abused. Please, if you see something, say something. If you hear something, believe the victim. Err on the side of caution. I wish I had believed the rumors about Carlebach before my disastrous first marriage. If a "rabbi" talks the talk, but doesn't walk the walk, you are once again in the wrong place. There have been several cases in the last few years of supposedly Orthodox rabbis who cheated on their wives with married congregants. Their congregations decided nevertheless to retain these men! This is like drinking water out of a toilet. It looks like Torah, sounds like Torah, but it is a deception. Best of all, is the advice of Rabbi Nachman, as interpreted by Rabbi Natan. Rabbi Nachman taught that a spiritual leader is like a rubber stamp; you can't read it until it is imprinted on something else. Thus, a leader may really be known only through the conduct of his students. Rabbi Natan connects this with the teaching in Ethics of the Fathers, "What are the differences between the disciples our father Avraham, and the disciples of the wicked Bilaam?" Why mention the disciples? Why not just say "Avraham and Bilaam"? He answers that had we met both, we couldn't tell the difference. Both prayed, offered sacrifice, and performed miracles. The difference can be seen only in the students! May HaShem guide us to proper, holy leaders, and make us worthy of bearing their imprint!

Charismatic Personality and Halachah part 7

Throughout this series, I have used the term "charismatic" in a negative way; as one who demands honor and acceptance by virtue of his position, rather than his actual knowledge. But there is one class of Jewish leaders that openly operate on the level of charisma, who are accepted by many, though vilified by others. These are the Hasidic Rebbes, as well as the Sepharadic and Yemenite Mekubbalim (Kabbalists). Although many of these men are scholars in their own right, many are barely learned. There are also charlatans among them.Their claim to fame is not their learning, but the belief that their great piety has brought them to a state of devekut (clinging to G-d), that affords them the ability to ascertain G-d's will, and even intercede to change His will. A rationalist will dismiss all of this as chicanery. But millions of others find encounters with these men to be life changing. One of the disciples of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk, was asked to describe his first meeting with the Tzaddik. "When I met him, he hugged me. I felt him taking a knife, plunge it into my heart. cutting it out, washing it with soap and water, replacing it in my chest, and sewing it up". Many followers of Rebbes and Mekkubalim will tell you similar experiences. Does this represent anything in Jewish tradition? In fact, it does. We find many of the Prophets being consulted on private, personal matters. (Think Saul's first encounter with Samuel). Similarly, in the Talmud, although most of the Sages are known for their erudition, some are known especially, or even exclusively, for their efficacious prayers, and the performance of miracles. (Think Hanina Ben Dosa and Honi Hame'agel). There is an interesting statement in the Talmud (Megillah 29a):

The verse states: “Yet I have been to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they have come” (Ezekiel 11:16). Rabbi Yitzḥak said: This is referring to the synagogues and study halls in Babylonia. And Rabbi Elazar said: This is referring to the house of our master, i.e., Rav, in Babylonia, from which Torah issues forth to the entire world.

We apparently have two approaches here. One, that G-d is to be found in Torah sources. The other, that G-d is to be found with those whose lives are a living Torah. But how are we to distinguish those who are truly connected to G-d, from those who are faking? A scholar will show a discerning person who he is the moment he opens his mouth. A charismatic person can use trickery, slight of hand, even hypnosis to establish his claims.How are we to know? That will be my next post.