QUESTION
The Rav explained that the Erev Rav is the most dangerous of the previous exiles because they are mixed into Klal Yisrael.
Does that mean that the Erev Rav can be Chareidim?
And, what is the confusion that they are able to introduce into the Torah-observant community?
Also, what’s the difference between the Erev Rav with other groups that mixed into Klal Yisrael such as the Tzadukim (Saducees) and Misyavnim (Hellenists)?
ANSWER
Yes [the Erev Rav can even be those who look “Chareidi”]. The Erev Rav’s influence includes:
(1) Views that are contrary to daas Torah.
(2) A cold indifference [to halachah].
(3) A way of life of becoming connected with the world at large and mixing with the world. That is the goal of the Erev Rav, which literally means “big mixture.”
In simple language, the Erev Rav’s influence is the permissive attitude of “Everything is permitted, except for....”
