Rabbi - Asking - Articles about Psychology

Some people have a rebbe. In many cases they belong to a Chassidic group but not necessarily and they consult with their rebbe about every issue that may come up.

There are others who do not have a rebbe but nonetheless they consult with their own Rabbi on many important issues.

Some of these people are happy or proud that their rabbi has some background in guidance or in psychotherapy and they may even have some experience in these fields.

However, it is not always recommended to speak to a rabbi about any issue whatsoever.

In general, the directive in Pirkei Avot, "Make a rabbi for yourself," refers to the need to have a halachic authority to direct you in areas relating to Judaism.

Judaism is reflected in halacha. Halacha is a way of life. It is more than just the laws that are in the Torah and in the Holy Books. It is much broader than that and it does indeed concern every aspect of man's existence. As such, it does cover a very broad area and your rabbi will guide you in all of these areas.

However, he does have limits.

If you consult a rabbi in issues relating to health, the best answer that he can give is to see a good physician. He may or may not be able to recommend a good physician just as any other person whom you trust may or may not be able to recommend one.

If your pipe is broken then your rabbi is not likely to be able to help you fix it unless he is in the unlikely position of knowing that field. His best recommendation would be to find a good plumber.

The list of questions that the rabbi cannot deal with or should not handle could clearly be very lengthy. There are many aspects, many areas in which you should not consult the rabbi, and indeed a good rabbi who does his job best will tell you if you consult with him that he is not the right address and he will send you on to the right person.

There are thus three possible considerations when consulting with your rabbi.

Issues in which it is clear and obvious that the question is within the purview of the rabbi's authority, do speak to the rabbi.
Issues which are clearly outside of the rabbi's purview do not speak to the rabbi about these issues. He is the wrong one to talk to and there is no reason why he should give you a good answer. A good rabbi will direct you to another source.
Issues which are questionable, in this case you can ask the rabbi if it is within his purview, if you should be asking him this question and he will tell you whether you should or should not.

A valuable function served by these groups is to clarify questions and issues before you actually speak to your rabbi. Once you understand the issues that are involved more clearly you can ask better questions and receive better answers. You will know what background information to bring to the rabbi.

NOTE TO MYSELF: Find the place in which I write about this in greater detail.