The once-maintained public standard by which cabinet ministers were shomer shabbos regarding official state duties is rapidly falling to the wayside along with increase Chilul Shabbos in many municipalities including Jerusalem. there are almost weekly Shabbos cultural events in cities and often ministers and other elected officials appear to speak in an official capacity.

In this latest incident, Minister of National Infrastructure (Likud) Dr. Yuval Steinitz attended such an event, during which he described himself as being “traditional” but added “he does not refrain from eating chametz during Pesach”.

While he is unfortunately not the only Member of Knesset or cabinet minister who does not refrain from chametz during Pesach R”L, it is perhaps increasingly poignant as he is a member of the committee which appoints dayanim to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s batei din. Some might opine it is somewhat absurd that such a person appoints dayanim, but this might be said regarding the election of the Chief Rabbis too.

Responding to Steinitz’s statements, MK Menachem Eliezer Moses explained to Kol Chai Radio “Why is this surprising. This is the result of the bankrupt education he and others receive in public schools; an education void of the importance of Shabbos and mitzvos, even an understanding of eating chametz on Pesach. After all he made the statements at a mechalel Shabbos event. What can one expect? The nation is deteriorating regarding religion and state, due to the many factors including the Supreme Court. We are in need of a great deal of Rachmei Shomayim…There are two separate nations living in the country today…Back during the Holocaust persons placed themselves in sakonos nefoshos to bake matzos for Pesach and here, R”L a minister is not embarrassed to announced he eats chametz on Pesach”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)