Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Urges Distance From The Infant Rabbi Amid Criticism

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu publicly criticized the figure known as the Infant Rabbi, expressing skepticism about the widespread following he has attracted. Speaking on Avi Shoshan's podcast, Eliyahu urged people to evaluate the Infant Rabbi against the standards of righteous figures he personally knew, such as the Baba Sali, and advised those who inquire about the Infant Rabbi to "stay away from him."

Eliyahu described the existence of "false rabbis" and used the Baba Sali as a benchmark for genuine righteousness. He recalled the Baba Sali's modest lifestyle in a simple home in Netivot, despite receiving significant donations, emphasizing that the Baba Sali chose not to live in luxury. He also highlighted the demanding nature of a rabbi's work, including the difficulty of blessing others sincerely from the heart.

When asked about the phenomenon of people flocking to the Infant Rabbi, Eliyahu stated that the Infant Rabbi does not resemble the righteous figures he knew, including his own grandfather and father. He refrained from commenting directly on the followers but reiterated his advice to keep distance from the Infant Rabbi. Eliyahu's remarks reflect a clear disapproval of the Infant Rabbi's status and the public attention surrounding him.