Rabbis aren’t rock stars, and they certainly don’t need groupies. I am always skeptical when people overly enthuse about a certain Rav, and begin to see too much in him. This sometimes leads to extremes in behavior that is dangerous, as Jameel posts about here (it seems that Rav Lichtenstein has received death threats because of his participation in Takana).
Yes, I enjoy a good speech or a well-written book, and I am grateful if it helps me in my avodat Hashem (serving G-d). But I always keep in mind that my relationship with G-d doesn’t need any intermediaries.
ADDRabbi has a good post where he explains why he is skeptical about charismatic Rabbis – and I agree 100%.
West Bank Mama 
Feb 17, 2010 @ 19:27:08
Anyone who knows HaRav Elon;
Anyone who has asked him she’elot (sought his advice);
Anyone who has been to his shiurim (lectures);
Anyone who has heard him lead prayers on the Yomim No’Roim (New Year and Day of Atonement);
– will instinctively say that the accusations are baseless. Rav Elon is the personification of all that is good and Holy in this world. References in your blog averring to any fault in or questioning HaRav, should be deleted as baseless malicious gossip.
~ Harry “Hershy” Orenstein, Elazar, Gush Etzion
Feb 17, 2010 @ 22:42:03
Anyone who knows HaRav Lichtenstein;
Anyone who has asked him she’elot (sought his advice);
Anyone who has been to his shiurim (lectures);
Anyone who has watched him pray during the Yomim No’Roim (New Year and Day of Atonement);
– will instinctively say that he would not make baseless accusations. Rav Lichtenstein is the personification of all that is good and Holy in this world. References in your blog averring to any fault in or questioning HaRav, should be deleted as baseless malicious gossip.
Feb 18, 2010 @ 05:22:01
I guess all we can do is pray to G-d and stop looking at all these humans. We’ll never discover the truth in this world.
Feb 18, 2010 @ 12:42:57
Harry – I know that it is hard to believe that someone you admire has sinned in this manner, but it is unfortunately true. There have been many complaints, and the group that makes up the Forum are upstanding people and wouldn’t make this up. I stand by my posts.
Batya – I think there was a reason that our greatest leader, Moshe Rabbenu, was known for his modesty and his inability to speak well. I have found that I learn the most from the simple people who just try their best to be good Jews.