How to Critically Read Torah Bios

Please understand:

  • When a Jew’s “Torah bio” lists very many Yeshivos and Kollels that doesn’t always mean what you think.

The question to ask is whether he studied alone, or with the important figures that give the place its good name. (And what do they think of him?)

Also, how long the stay in each yeshiva? One can visit other places for a short period (“Chizuk”). Was this just for the sake of the resumè or some other peripheral reason?

  • When a Jew’s “Torah bio” lists important Yeshivos and Kollels that also doesn’t always mean what you think.

Some allow people to just sit there, especially in the past.

  • When a Jew’s “Torah bio” says he obtained ‘Semicha’ that doesn’t always mean what you think.

Who gave the Semicha? Some hand them out more easily than others.

And what exactly does the thing say? What does the person know? And does he still know it?

  • When a Jew’s “Torah bio” lists a book or books authored that doesn’t always mean what you think.

Read the book itself. (Assuming it wasn’t ghostwritten.)

And so on.