8:51 AM
Gil Student
R. Hayim Elazar Shapira, the Munkaczer Rebbe in the early twentieth century, was asked about studying kabbalah. He answered (Minhas Elazar 1:50) that in this pre-messianic era we must study it, especially one who desires to. However, he adds, the proper way to go about doing this is to first study the important introductory works such as Sha'arei Orah and Shomer Emunim. He cautions, though:
But in the end of Shomer Emunim, regarding Providence, one should skip [this section]. It is forbidden to read it. May [the author's] Master forgive him for this stumbling block, that he made generalities and details about Providence, with specifics against our belief in Individual Providence from God on every single detail. However, the rest of his book is pleasant and appropriate to enlighten...This is quite an astounding statement. The Minhas Elazar found a section in Shomer Emunim, a classic work on kabbalah (mentioned in Shem Ha-Gedolim), that he considered heretical. However, he did not suggest that the book be burned or banned. He did not determine that the author was a heretic. Instead, he concluded that the book is wonderful and readers should just skip the objectionable section.
I believe that this is another example of my conclusion in my review essay of Dr. Marc Shapiro's book (PDF), that a posek can decide that an idea that was once legitimately held is now deemed heretical. This does not invalidate those who held the idea in the past, but does invalidate those who hold it today. Granted, though, other decisors can differ with the Minhas Elazar's conclusion. He was, in his time, known as one wont to oppose many relatively mainstream views.
POSTSCRIPT: At the end of last volume of Minhas Elazar there are later additions by the author to his earlier responsa. To this responsum, the Minhas Elazar added:
I did not write these words from my heart [i.e. I did not make them up]. Do not be surprised, my friend, if you find similar views to [the Shomer Emunim] regarding Providence in books that preceded him. The tradition I received from tzaddikim and hassidim, that is received from our teachers and my grandfather [the Bnei Yissaschar], is that one should skip [this section]...
