“[And do not respond to a grievance] by yielding to the majority to pervert [the law]” (Shemos 23:2)

 “The Chofetz Chaim explained that one should yield to the majority’s ruling in a matter that could be interpreted in two ways whereas clear-cut issues are never subject to the prevailing opinion. Thus with regard to something like emunah people should never make decisions based on popular opinion.

The sefer Otzar Hachaim brings a story about Rabbi Yitzchak ztz”l (the Baal Shem of Michelstadt) a renowned child prodigy. Upon hearing of his brilliance the local duke invited the child to visit his massive castle full of halls rooms and passageways.

The nine-year-old arrived at the castle alone and began to search for the duke. He could not find anyone to direct him as the duke had warned his many servants and attendants to make themselves scarce. The intelligent boy however looked around and realized that the windows of every room were open except for one whose curtain was drawn. This was clearly the duke’s room so he knocked on the door and entered.

During their conversation the duke told the child that he’d sent all his attendants away in case they sent him to the wrong rooms in jest.

“What would you do if all the servants tried to lead you astray each pointing you in a different direction?” asked the duke. The boy answered that he would follow the majority.

“It’s always a good idea to follow the majority” agreed the duke. “Why then do you not adopt the Christian way of life? If the Jews are a minority in this world why do you remain a Jew?”

The boy answered calmly: “My master I know without doubt that this is the room where your grace receives guests. Even if all the residents of the castle were to tell me otherwise I would not listen to them. The principle of ‘go with the majority’s ruling’ is only valid for debatable matters. However facts clarified as the unadulterated truth cannot be changed by the majority’s opinion. For me ” declared the boy “the religion of my forefathers is the truth! I can not and may not abide by the majority’s opinion.”

We stroll through the castle of life. Thousands of chambers halls and endless passageways sprawl out before us. Countless people charge ahead frantically and I stand on the sidelines looking on and feeling so small. Who will lead me? Should I just follow the crowd?

Everybody’s discussing the story. They’re all going into the minutest details — who said what did when to whom. Why should I be holier than everyone? Why should I swim against the current? Why can’t I be like them all?

“Everybody” is reading those books eating those foods of questionable kashrus and attending those events. And “Everybody” seems to be having a grand old time doing it. Must I always be different?

At one point I was told “Everybody” will need internet access. You won’t be able to pay your electric bill or go shopping or buy a train ticket or get a doctor’s prescription without internet. It’s just a matter of time “ Everybody” said. I didn’t answer; I didn’t know what to say.

Others said the internet is necessary for work. Or to stay in touch with family abroad. They needed it so they could fulfill kibud av v’eim they insisted. So their parents could watch their little ones ֫— live — and reap nachas.

And some got really annoyed. “Not everyone is as narrow-minded as you. You’ve got to move with the times. The internet has some major advantages!”

But I know where the King’s chamber is. Nobody will be able to lead me astray — I’ve seen the King! I have heard His words resonating from the mouths of all the gedolei hador. There is only da’as Torah; only Hashem’s word reverberating till the ends of the earth.