Rabbi Binyamin (Benny) Lau is Rabbi of the Ramban Synagogue in Jerusalem, and one of the leaders of the Bet Morasha Torah Study Center. A noted author and lecturer, this article was originally presented as a lecture at his synagogue. It was published in De'ot, the journal of Neemanei Torah vaAvodah, in the June 2010 issue. It was translated into English for the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals by Sarah Nadav.
The Educational Imperative
The current religious educational system encourages people to accept the authority of the major Torah scholars of the generation and to obey them unquestioningly, thereby creating a culture of dependency and submission. We must return to and deepen inspiration of independent thought, personal freedom and individual empowerment. Talmudic tradition and adjudication teach us that no Rabbi, no matter how great, is sacred nor should he be revered as a Lord over us.