Minister of Religious Affairs David Azoulai sent a letter of support to Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita regarding the High Court of Justice decision to freeze the appointment of Rabbi Eyal Karim as the next IDF Chief Rabbi. The court asked Rav Karim to appear and explain his halachic position on ‘Eishes Yifas Toar’ and other sugyos after the left-wing Meretz party filed a petition against his appointment.

Azoulai strengthens the hand of Rav Yosef who is also opposed to rabbonim having to explain Torah to the nation’s secular courts, as he writes in the letter.

Azoulai stated it is a non-start to explain Rabbi Karim to bring himself before a secular court and explaining sugyos in Torah. Azoulai questions the court, asking what about freedom of religion and how dare the court expect Rabbi Karim to explain himself.

Azoulai ends “As Minister of Religious Services I feel complained to have my voice heard on the matter”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)