[Avodah] Chelkas Yaakov: Special Discount for "Rabbis"

[Prof. Levine]

 From http://revach.net/article.php?id=2076

There are certain stores and utility companies, such as the telephone 
company, that had a policy to give discounts to "Rabbis".  Since it 
is forbidden for a talmid chochom to use his Torah for his own 
benefit, would it be permissible for him to take advantage of these discounts?

The Rambam in Hilchos Talmud Torah (3:10) speaks very strongly 
against a Talmud Chochom that receives money and other gifts from the 
public as a means to support himself.  He calls it a Chilul Hashem 
among other terrible things.  The Kesef Mishneh, Bach, and others 
disagree and they hold that taking presents is permissible.  Although 
in principle they agree with the Rambam, they hold that it has become 
an "Es Laasos L'ashem"; the times require a talmid chochom to live 
off the public in order to be able to learn without financial worries.

<Snip>

However warns the Chelkas Yaakov one should be careful not to pretend 
to be a talmid chochom in order to get the discount as is all to common.

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This brings something to mind that I heard many years ago.  The 
question was asked, "Why is it called a heter meah rabbonim and not a 
heter meah talmidei chachomim?"  The reply was, "Because meah 
rabbonim you can find easily, but meah talmidei chachomim are not so 
easy to find."  YL
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