R. Benzil Argues that Hasidim are Idiots on One Matter but not Regarding the Entire Torah
A Rabbinical inquiry regarding an agunah (“chained” woman) came before the Sanzer Rebbe. One of the signatories was the Strier Rabbi, R. Benzil.
In the inquiry, the matter of whether “an idiot in one matter” is considered an idiot in all else came up. The question was whether “an idiot in one matter” could divorce a woman. R. Benzil concluded that he could – that “an idiot in one matter” is not considered an idiot regarding the entire Torah. He brought support [for his position] from the fact that Hasidim are certainly “idiots in one matter” – and there is no question that they may divorce their wives.
I.F.
R. Moses Cohen