The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

As a rav, I receive many interesting phone calls.

This morning, as the white smoke bellowed forth from Vatican City, I received a call from a news outlet.

This reporter has contacted me in the past regarding the situation in Israel, as well as before the Jewish holidays.

Over the years, we have developed a friendly rapport, and I feel comfortable that he is never out to get me or misquote me.

This time, to my surprise, he was not calling as I had initially assumed to ask me what “the Jews” thought about the new Pope; rather, his question was of a much different nature.

Surprisingly, he said, “I am sure, rabbi, you are familiar with the doctrine of Papal infallibility.”

(The concept of Papal infallibility is beyond the scope of this missive. However, in brief, Papal infallibility means that in a certain capacity known as ex-cathedra (meaning “from the seat)- the Pope is considered infallible. This concept of infallibility is limited to issues of morals and faith. You can google more information if you are interested).

I replied, “Yes, I am familiar with the term.”

He then continued by asking,  “What is the Jewish view on rabbinic infallibility? Meaning, when a great rabbi says something, is that to be accepted as binding as he is infallible?”

I was taken aback by his question, yet I answered, “No, it is not the same at all. We don’t believe that any human being is infallible.”

I was about to get back to my learning when he continued his questioning.

“Rabbi, this is off the record, and I will not report on this question. I am asking for myself. As you know, I am not Orthodox. However, I am Jewish, and my Temple sent out a reminder for us to vote in the WZO elections.

The reminder mentioned that this year, the non-Orthodox camp stands to gain many votes, as the Chief Ultra-Orthodox rabbi has forbidden Orthodox Jews from participating in the elections. The Ultra-Orthodox view his word as the Catholics view the word of the Pope, meaning his words are binding. Therefore, they are prohibited from voting. Rabbi, is this true?”

I remained silent.

He pressed the point, “Do Orthodox Jews believe the views of their great rabbis are akin to a Papal proclamation? And therefore, their words and rulings are binding due to their rabbinic infallibility?”

I reiterated that according to my knowledge of the Torah, there is no human being in the world who is considered infallible.

I added: “However, what do I know? After all, I am certainly infallible, and maybe others disagree?”