I am puzzled by something that you said however and would like to ask for some clarification. You said the function of a Rav is “to goad and inspire his students in the path of the torah, and to reliably guide us in our relationship with G-d.” This was contrasted to other religious traditions that have an Intermediary to serve between man and G-d.

Could you please explain the use of the English word ‘intermediary’ in the passages quoted below from the Midrash Rabbah? Should these references be interpreted in the sense of a Rav? In contrasting the Rav to the non-torah traditions are you specifically referring to praying to or through the intermediary in order for our prayer to reach G-d or some other concept? If this is not a Torah tradition could you please explain to me why different sects of chassidus pray at the graves of tzadikim and even petition the tzadikim directly?

Quotes from the Midrash Rabbah:

Ex Rabbah 3:5 - R. Simeon of Lud said in the name of R. Simon, who said in the name of R. Levi: Moses said: ‘I am destined to become the intermediary between Thee and them when Thou wilt give them the Torah

Numbers Rabbah 11:3 - As soon as they had sinned, however, they could not even look at the face of the intermediary [2 - Moses]; When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face sent forth beams; and they were afraid to come nigh him (ib. XXXIV, 30). R. Phinehas b. R. Abin said in the name of R. Hanin that even the intermediary felt the consequences, as they did, from time to time.

Deut Rabbah 3:12 - God said to Moses: ‘ You were the intermediary between Me and My children; you broke the Tables, and you must replace them.’

Song of Songs Rabbah 1:15 - They came to Moses and said, ‘ Our master, Moses, do thou become an intermediary between us, as it says, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear”

A sincere questioner…