Speaking on Avi Shushan's podcast, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu criticized rabbi and kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Be'eri, better known as the "Yanuka," addressing the phenomenon of large numbers of people flocking to him. He called for the Yanuka to be compared to other righteous figures he had known and said that when people ask him about the Yanuka, he tells them to "stay away from him."
Rabbi Eliyahu said that there are "fake rabbis," and pointed to the Baba Sali as an example by which he evaluates rabbinic figures. "I tell people, is the Yanuka like the Baba Sali or not? If he is, then he is a righteous person," he said.
Rabbi Eliyahu went on to discuss the Baba Sali's lifestyle, recalling that he had seen him living in a simple home in Netivot. He said that the Baba Sali could have lived "in the most luxurious place" given the donations he received, but "did not want to."
He also addressed the publicity, public relations and the entourages surrounding rabbinic figures. According to Rabbi Eliyahu, a rabbi's work requires dedication, giving and effort. Among other things, he said, "People don't know that giving a blessing is difficult. A person has to bless with his heart."
"He is not like your grandfather [the Baba Haki]. In my eyes, he is not a [rabbinic] figure. He is not like my father, not like Rabbi Tzedaka, not like any of the righteous people I knew, who were truly miracle workers," he said.
Rabbi Eliyahu was then asked how he explains the large numbers of people flocking to the Yanuka.
"I don't feel comfortable talking about other people," he replied. He then added that when people ask him about the matter, his answer is: "Stay away from him. Stay away."
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