Following Friday night’s cutting of the Jerusalem eruv near Bayit Vegan, Gilo Chief Rabbi and posek for the Jerusalem Religious Council Rav Eliyahu Schlesinger Shlita and Rav Moshe Katzenelbogen of the mehadrin eruv organization held urgent consultations with Maran Rav Elyashiv Shlita. Rav Elyashiv stated that the final decisions on eruv matters will be made by Rav Schlesinger.

The rabbonim felt compelled to meet with Rav Elyashiv, explaining that they fear the negotiating committee, which includes representatives of Jerusalem City Hall and the secular community, may decide matters pertaining to the capital’s eruv without proper halachic consideration.

Rav Elyashiv stated emphatically that the committee must be made to understand that pertaining to halachic issues, only the Jerusalem Religious Council may make decisions, and those decisions are to be made by its head, HaGaon Rav Schlesinger. Rav Elyashiv has placed this as a precondition to continued participation in the committee seeking to reach a compromise that is deemed mutually acceptable.

Following their consult with the Gadol HaDor, Rav Schlesinger and Rav Katzenelbogen met with chareidi representatives in the Jerusalem City Council, explaining Rav Elyashiv’s position.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)