Hiring a rabbi: caveat emptor

If your Orthodox synagogue is evaluating rabbinical candidates, whether from YU, Chovevei Torah, or other yeshivos I encourage you to ask the following interview questions:

- Does the Rabbinical Council of America recognize your smicha? If no, why not?
- Will you be granted membership to our local Orthodox board of rabbis?
- Do you plan on joining an interdenominational board of rabbis?
- What are your halachic, ritualistic, and hashkafic visions for our shul? For example, what do you think of Shira Hadasha minyanim?
- What are your conceptions of God? Is he perfect? Does he make mistakes?