Torah Scholars

Asked by Joseph · December 22, 2003 · Other

Question

How are you supposed to relate to Torah scholars who defame other scholars? There are many great rabbis who did this.For example, the Satmar rebbe defamed gedolim. Yet he was still a great man and I assume we should respect him (even though the Rambam says that if you defame gedolim you are a heretic). Certain Rishonim defamed the Rambam and yet we still regard them as holy. So what's the story on this?

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

The Satmar Rebbe prayed after the alotted time in the Talmud, so don't bring him as an example. Often it takes generations after to sort through. When it is Leshem Shamayim (sincere for God), you'll see the difference. AA