Question: How do you know when someone is really a Rabbi?
Dear Rabbi Enkin,
How do you know when someone is really a Rabbi?We are concerned about someone who we believe is misrepresenting himself as a Rabbi.
Thank you.
Answer: Your question is of a serious nature and can have extensive legal ramifications.
Although not exclusive, a good place to begin such an investigation is to contact mainstream rabbinical organizations and inquire if any given rabbi is a member of the organization. For orthodox rabbis one should contact the Rabbinical Council of America. For conservative rabbis one should contact The Rabbinical Assembly. One can also contact the Yeshiva from which the rabbi claims to hold his ordination.
Just as an unlicensed 'doctor' is a threat to public safety and security, so is a rabbi. If you know of a rabbi, or any professional for that matter, who is practicing illegally you should immediately contact their employer(s) as well as other national governing bodies of the profession. I sure would.
"The Seal of G-d is Truth" -Talmud Sanhedrin 64a
Wishing you well,
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
