To ascertain who is the premier orthopedic surgeon in the U.S. (or anywhere else), do we ask the Uber drivers in NY, the restaurant owners, or maybe the medical students studying in the local medical schools? Answer: none of the above. The top orthopedic surgeons all know who among them is the greatest expert. It is THEIR opinion that decides the matter. That’s how we determine the most qualified orthopedic surgeon.
Le’havdil, it’s similar regarding gadlus ba’Torah. The opinion of laymen, of frum professionals, or various shul rabbis is immaterial. The biggest Talmidei Chachomim all know who among them is the greatest. That person (or persons — could be more than one) is the gadol hador. It is reasonable that the Talmidei Chachomim in Eretz Yisroel are better acquainted with someone from their midst, and so it’s likely that they will recognize someone who lives in EY. While the scholars in the U.S. might recognize one of their own compatriots as the greatest in the group. So, we can and usually do have different Gedolim for different continents. The main point is that it is determined by other experts, not by non-experts. How wide the rav smiles. how well he sings, how many secular degrees he possesses are not relevant. Greatness in Torah counts — something that can only be measured by others who truly understand greatness in Torah.
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