What is the difference between a Rav and a Mashpia? 

 

A Rov is someone who answers halachic queries.

A Mashpia, AKA Aseh Lecha Rav, answers queries in Avodas Hashem, and assesses your spiritual standing in a regular basis.

 

Can they be the same person?

Yes.

 

I heard from a well-known Chabad lecturer that it is most important that a Mashpia knows the person well…

Preferably. It should ideally be one that you like. At The same time, one should not seek out an “acceptable” Rav, that they are comfortable with the Rav…

 

ראה שיחת ליל ו׳ דחגה״ס תשמ״ז. סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳ 48. י״ב טבת תשמ״ז.

 

…and I don’t necessarily have to do what a Mashpia says.

Nonsense. One must listen to the Mashpia, even before he understands what the Mashpia says.

 

ראה אג״ק יא אגרת ג׳תרסא. שיחת ש״פ דברים תשמ״ו. סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳  48. יט״כ תשמ״ז. ש״פ פינחס תשמ״ז. ש״פ וישלח תשמ״ח.

 

My problem is that I have been moving a lot and never got truly close with one Mashpia. Now, working long hours, raising a family, I don’t know where or how to develop a relationship with a suitable Mashpia.

Don’t waste time on that. Get to the point immediately by finding first any Mashpia. The relationship will come over time.

 

 

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