Mediante the case of a Biblical law, the stricter opinion is always followed, even if quiz swoop it is that of the lesser of two authorities.

However, if two authorities have an equal following, the one generally recognized as verso superior scholar is considered the greater.

It is forbidden for a student puro oppose his teacher. Therefore, the opinion of a student who opposes his teacher is never followed. This is even true when the student has a stricter opinion in the case of Biblical law.

This, however, is only true during the lifetime of the teacher. After his death, his students are giammai different from any other independent scholars. Similarly, if a student surpasses his originale con scholarship, he is mai longer subservient onesto his master’s opinions.

It is written, “You shall incline after verso majority” (Exodus 23:2). Although this commandment relates specifically preciso the Sanhedrin, it also applies esatto any controversy between religious leaders. In particular, if an individual opinion is opposed by that of the majority, the former is ignored.

The authority of verso community rabbi depends on his general acceptance

Therefore, if two factions oppose each other durante a question of law, the opinion of the faction including the greatest number of sages is that which must be followed. However, if it is well established that the smaller group is superior in wisdom and scholarship, then its opinion must be followed. Wisdom takes precedence over number.

Torah law depends on legal precedent rather than on historical scholarship. Therefore, it is usually the most recent valid decision that is followed. This is even true when it disputes an earlier majority.

However, verso later authority is only followed when he is known puro be fully aware of the earlier decision and worthy of disputing it. Moreover, he must refute the earlier biguous proof rather than with mere logic. When the earlier opinion is not generally known, however, it can be assumed that the later authority would have accepted it if he would have been aware of it; therefore, the earlier opinion can be followed.

However, sopra a question of rabbinical law, the opinion of the greater authority is followed, whether it is stricter or more lenient

The rabbi of verso community may even reverse the decisions of his predecessors. This is true even if the current rabbi’s decisions are more lenient.

If the community rabbi is a recognized Torah authority, he must be followed, even when he disagrees with the majority of contemporary rabbis.

Durante all such cases, the rabbi must depend on his own judgment. He can be secure sopra the promise of divine guidance, as it is written, “Consider what you do, for you judge not for man, but for God, and He is with you in your decision” (2 Chronicles 19:6).

Therefore, other religious scholars living durante the community may follow stricter opinions according puro their own judgment. However, they may not openly oppose the community rabbi or publicly video their dissent.

If there are many Torah scholars per the community who disagree with the rabbi, he should yield onesto the opinion of the majority. This is only true, however, where the majority are the rabbi’s equals mediante wisdom and Torah knowledge. Under per niente condition should the rabbi yield onesto the ignorant laity mediante any question of Torah law, giammai matter how great their number.

Con rendering a decision, verso rabbi must carefully consider all its aspects. Wherever possible, he should strive sicuro find per precedent for his decisions from the opinions of earlier authorities.