Rabbi Shlomo Aviner: How to React to the "Yanuka" Phenomenon
Rabbi Shlomo Aviner critiques the "Yanuka" phenomenon, labeling the rabbi's handlers as "corrupt" and highlighting financial exploitation. He dismisses claims of supernatural genius, attributing the rabbi's knowledge to diligence and providing rational explanations for his purported miracles.
Rav Shlomo Aviner, a leading figure in the Religious Zionist movement, has issued a detailed analysis regarding the meteoric rise of the young rabbi known as "The Yanuka" (Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda). While acknowledging the rabbi’s personal virtues, the Rav warned the public to distinguish between the scholar himself and the "corrupt" industry of miracle-working and high-priced endorsements surrounding him.
Rav Aviner began by clarifying that, on a personal level, the "Yanuka" is a righteous and humble Torah scholar with a commendable character. However, he dismissed the mystical connotation of the title "Yanuka" - which in Kabbalistic terms suggests a child born with supernatural knowledge from a previous incarnation.
Hard Work vs. Miracles: Rav Aviner attributed the rabbi’s impressive memory and broad knowledge not to a miracle, but to "immense diligence" since childhood.
Lack of "Gaon" Status: Despite the adulation, heargued that the rabbi does not meet the classical definition of a Gaon (Genius). He noted that true genius in the Jewish tradition requires deep analytical innovation in Gemara and the authority to rule on complex Halakhic questions, traits he says are not evident here. Instead, he described the attraction as "popular and folk-oriented," blending emotion, storytelling, and piano playing.
Harsh Criticism of "Corrupt Handlers"
The most scathing portion of Rav Aviner’s critique was reserved for the circle of assistants and "askanim" (activists) managing the Yanuka’s public appearances. He said, "The Yanuka himself is likely an innocent man being misled by those around him."
Rav Aviner highlighted several troubling practices:
1. Financial Exploitation: Charging thousands of dollars for consultations and using private jets.
2. Bizarre Auctions: Selling personal items, such as neckties, for exorbitant prices.
3. Threats and Intimidation: Aviner cited a severe incident in the city of Elad, where activists reportedly broke into the home of a rabbi who was investigating the phenomenon, threatening him and attempting to delete information from his computer.
Miracles or Statistics?
Addressing the "miracle cures" and wonders attributed to the rabbi, Aviner urged the public to adopt a scientific and critical mindset:
He noted that many "cures" are simply cases of spontaneous remission, which occur statistically in about 80% of certain conditions.
He attributed other reported successes to the psychological power of faith in a healer.
Rav Aviner emphasized that in Judaism, truth must rely on logic and intellect. He reminded followers that the greatest Jewish leaders, from Abraham to Moses, did not use wonders to impress the masses, but only out of vital necessity.
Defining True Greatness
Rav Aviner concluded that a Torah scholar’s true greatness is measured by a "good heart," profound knowledge, and acts of loving-kindness, rather than unproven healing powers. He cautioned the public against being swept up in a "miracle industry" that prioritizes emotional heat over intellectual and spiritual depth.