Reply To: Calling people with questionable smicha Rabbi

oomis: “Nevertheless, if they have legitimately earned their smicha, they should be addressed as Rabbi, if that is their wish (some prefer not to be). If someone has NOT earned his smicha through his learning and knowledge of Torah, then that’s a whole ‘nother ballgame.”

Who determines legitimate? There are people who because of FINANCIAL reasons or a lack of time, social skills etc. that simply cannot get smicha. Though this has nothing to do with a lack of Torah knowledge. On the other hand, there could be someone who is a baal geiva and attains smicha where he knows if you have the money or connections you will get it.

Yes, I do think it is wrong for people who are not employed as a Rabbi to use the title Rabbi. If you are not using the title to benefit the klal than the only other reason you are using it is because your’re a baal geiva and that is not legitimate. “Earning it” by learning is not a reason to call oneself “Rabbi” every time you go to a chasna or get a letter in the mail.