Tzfas Chief Sephardi Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu is among the rabbonim being considered in the upcoming Jerusalem Chief Rabbi race. It appears that Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat and Deputy Minister of Religious Services Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan are working behind the scenes to boost his candidacy.
It has been over 13 years since the capital of the Jewish People has had chief rabbis, the result of countless delays, political deal-making, and court petitions as the parties involved cannot reach agreement on candidates. As a result of the most recent Supreme Court involvement, elections are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
Other rabbonim whose names have been mentioned in connection to the race include Rabbi Aryeh Stern, Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Grossman, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lau, Rabbi David Yosef, Rabbi Yosef Efrati, Rabbi Eliyahu Schlesinger, Rabbi Avraham Yaffa Schlesinger, Rabbi Yehuda Deri and Rabbi Yaakov Shapira.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
All of the names mentioned are distinguished rabbonim but the real question is whether there should be “chief rabbis” for the medinah or local cities and towns? These are essentially political patronage positions and each appointment seems to generate more political controversy than the previous one. I’ve yet to hear a good argument as to why we really need these appointments which cost millions of NIS annually at a time of budget austerity.
Hope he becomes the Chief Rabbi.
He is very dynamic – and a true lover of Klal Yisrael
He is despised by Israel’s Lefy Wing & Palestinians for being a ” hard liner “, not willing to give up land for peace or freeing terrorists.
Israel Left Wing
Good choice, he is a bridge between DL and Charedi for many.
he is the one i beileve represents in our time leadership for jewish of all walks in israel i wish him luck with the chareiydim… and then the lefties.. but i respect his leadership and kindness that he provides
he is the one i beileve represents in our time leadership for jewish of all walks in israel i wish him luck with the chareiydim… and then the lefties.. AND i respect his leadership and kindness that he provides