Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery right? So I should consider it a great honor to have been included in those spoofed in the recent Mishpacha Purim edition I guess. I know it doesn't mean conscious imitation it means emulation...I know. But still it could mean that kind also.

Upon reading the hilariously exaggerated article carrying I name I was amazed and amused at the talents of our editors and staff. I was also reminded of a story involving the Satmar Rebbe zt'l Rav Yoel Teitelbaum.

At the rebbe's Purim tish the story goes a badchan- a jester- got up and began to imitate the rebbe's motions and voice during prayer. The crowd laughed uproariously at the precision of the routine the way the badchan managed to identify every single 'tenua' of the rebbe's every single shake of the head and shrug of the shoulders. The Satmar Rebbe appreciated wit and humor and the oilam was sure that the rebbe was enjoying the skit.

The rebbe to everyone's astonishment burst into tears clearly distressed.

The badchan was horrified  and immediately stopped in mid-routine and he hurried over to the rebbe apologizing profusely.

“I was sure the rebbe would enjoy it I never meant to cause the rebbe 'tza'ar' chas v'shalom.”

And the rebbe explained.

“You imitate my davening so well....I wonder perhaps I am merely imitating myself?”

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I am not the rebbe and writing articles isnt a form of avodah (well not like davening anyhow) but the question is a strong one. If imitating a writing style is that easy who's to say that the writer is not just imitating himself