Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Urges Distance From 'The Infant' Phenomenon

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu expressed strong reservations about the recent surge of public fascination with "The Infant" (HaYinuka) during a podcast hosted by Avi Shushan. When asked if he saw The Infant as resembling the great righteous figures he knew, Rabbi Eliyahu firmly replied that he did not, stating, "He is not like your grandfather," referring to Shushan's grandfather, Baba Chaki. He further emphasized that The Infant does not resemble any of the genuine righteous individuals he has known.

Addressing the public's growing view of The Infant as a messianic figure, Rabbi Eliyahu declined to comment on others but reiterated his personal stance that The Infant does not align with the traditional righteous path. When asked if people should distance themselves from this phenomenon, he gave a clear and unequivocal answer: "Stay away from him."

These remarks align with comments Rabbi Eliyahu made months earlier in response to a radio listener who admired The Infant's melodies but was concerned about recent controversies. Rabbi Eliyahu acknowledged there is no problem with listening to the melodies but stressed that The Infant's approach and conduct differ significantly from that of his father, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, who was known for humility and secrecy regarding his miracles. Rabbi Eliyahu concluded that while the melodies themselves are not forbidden, the overall path represented by The Infant is not one they connect with, as it diverges from the traditions of their forefathers.