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

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

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

This, however, is only true during the lifetime of the teacher. After his death, his students are niente affatto different from any other independent scholars. Similarly, if supporto mousemingle per student surpasses his originale mediante scholarship, he is giammai longer subservient sicuro his master’s opinions.

It is written, «You shall portato after per majority» (Exodus 23:2). Although this commandment relates specifically onesto the Sanhedrin, it also applies sicuro any controversy between religious leaders. Per particular, if an individual opinion is opposed by that of the majority, the former is ignored.

The authority of a community rabbi depends on his general acceptance

Therefore, if two factions oppose each other per 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 durante 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, a later authority is only followed when he is known sicuro 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, durante verso 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 per recognized Torah authority, he must be followed, even when he disagrees with the majority of contemporary rabbis.

In 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 mediante your decision» (2 Chronicles 19:6).

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

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

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