Rabbi Shimon Gross and his family were in the news some time ago, unfortunately as a result of the tragedy that befell them R”L. Their daughters, Yael and Avigail a”h died as a result of having an exterminator fumigate their home in the Givat Mordechai neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2014. B’chasdei Hashem their sons Chaim Michael Shlomo and Refael Isaac survived.

Gross has recently joined Israel Police and is completing a mandatory three-month course following which he will be appointed the rav of the Israel Police College that recently opened in Beit Shemesh. It is the main training facility for the entire department.

According to the Yediot Yerushalayim report, relevant officials have already validated Gross’ rabbinical ordination and what remains is to pass a few exams prior to his official appointment.

Family members are quoted saying Gross prefers not to comment at this time for he has to familiarize himself with the post, which includes responsibility for kashrus, Shabbos and addressing the needs of frum and non-frum members of the force.

Including Rav Gross, there are 14 Israel Police rabbonim nationwide and like the others, he will be working under the direction of the department’s chief rabbi.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)