If you’ve read any major newspaper recently (or even fringe publication), chances are you’ve come across the name Rabbi Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto. Name not ringing any bells? Basically, Pinto, 38, who traces his lineage to King David, is an Israeli-born rabbi of Moroccan descent.
Something between a guru and a Hasidic rebbe, Pinto is primarily interested in the esoteric elements of the Jewish tradition. You know, the same brand of Kabbalistic teaching that inspired Madonna and Demi Moore to wear a piece of red string around their emaciated wrists. But I digress. Pinto moved to New York from Israel and amassed a notable following. Real estate titans fetch him at the airport. Members of Congress including former U.S. representative, Anthony Weiner and U.S. congressman, Eric Cantor attended his Hebrew classes. Hell, even LeBron James, (who, it may surprise you to learn, is not Jewish) borrowed a friend’s yacht to consult the rabbi in private. True story. If that’s not enough, this “Rabbi to the stars” is also being considered for the position of chief rabbi of Israel.
But just like his name suggests, Pinto’s personal life is somewhat spotty. Despite his success in New York, he has been criticized by some Orthodox rabbis who say the frenzied atmosphere around him is cultlike, with people lining up for hours to receive his blessings or seek his “prophecy”. Critics also point to the millions of dollars in donations to the rabbi’s congregation that cannot be accounted for. Articles in Jewish publications have questioned his judgment. Camera crews have trailed him, with reporters shouting questions about improprieties. In his defense however, Pinto claims he is the victim of a bizarre embezzlement and extortion plot carried out by two former members of his inner circle (not surprisingly, the accused parties deny those allegations).
Here’s my point: Rabbis are not rock stars. They are not prophets. And they are not go-betweens between the divine and man. They are people just like you and I, except they chose a different career path. While you and I were pursuing a degree or trade, rabbis were studying Torah in rabbinical school. Does that make them inherently more spiritual than you or I? Not necessarily. Does it mean that they have God on speed dial? No. Does it mean that they are fluent in Jewish laws and customs? I hope so.
Nonetheless, there are obviously plenty of impressionable folks out there with more money than common sense. How else could Pinto afford to set up shop in a Manhattan building that cost a cool $28.5 million? I bet LeBron’s house didn’t even cost that much. But that’s neither here nor there.
Look, if you’re ill, or have been trying unsuccessfully to have a baby, or simply want a healthier bank balance, don’t throw your money at a rabbi like he’s some sort of stripper ready to fulfill your fantasies. Instead, exhaust every medical option available to you, work harder and if the mood takes you, pray. But don’t put all your eggs into a 38-year-old Israeli’s gold-plated basket. And if you do, don’t be shocked or disappointed if you remain sick, childless or broke.
Don’t misunderstand me. I am not suggesting that charity is a waste of money. But giving away millions of dollars for “top shelf” blessings while not knowing how that money is being managed is wasteful. Period.
The Pinto story is nothing new of course. Having attended a Lubavitch school back in Australia, I became accustomed at an early age to the fervor surrounding the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Each classroom at Yeshivah College boasted a framed photograph of “The Rebbe” directly above the blackboard. Even as a child, the adulation surrounding Rabbi Schneerson made me uncomfortable and seemed to eclipse the role of God altogether. These feelings were only exacerbated after Schneerson’s death when a significant portion of his followers insisted that he would soon return as the messiah.
There was also the late Rabbi Moshe Ben-Tov, who visited Australia when I was a kid. Ben-Tov amassed a loyal following and was known as the “Mezuzah Seer,” for his ability to discern important personal information by inspecting peoples’ mezuzah scrolls.
There’s a reason Jews are forbidden from riding bicycles on the Sabbath. It’s not that the act itself breaks any of the Sabbath laws. It’s because riding is considered an inappropriate activity on a day designed for spirituality and self-reflection. Sort of like laughing at a funeral—you just don’t do it. So too, Rabbis who hobnob with billionaires and superstars, or give false hope to those desperate for answers when none exist, are behaving inappropriately.
Still disagree? Consider this: Anthony Weiner resigned after a scandal over inappropriate posts on Twitter. Eric Cantor's handling of the debt ceiling debate further reinforced his reputation as a rigid conservative. And LeBron and his fellow Miami superstars lost the NBA championships to a bunch of grizzled Dallas veterans. Then again, Pinto “never gives a guarantee one way or the other [regarding his predictions].” How convenient.
