It is official, former Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger earlier this week signed on a plea bargain agreement after pleading guilty to receiving NIS 5 million in bribes. The rabbi explained he was unaware he was breaking any laws and apologizes to the people. Some are more than a bit disturbed by the deal, explaining one of his stature should have not been offered a deal.
In fact, he is likely to not serve more than two years and two months as a third is generally removed for good behavior.
However, unlike former cabinet ministers, prime minister and a president who were imprisoned, the Chilul Hashem here is unprecedented. There are calls for the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to revoke Rabbi Metzger’s semicha.
It remains to be seen what the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council will do in this case.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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5 Responses
More pertinently:- Every פסק he has ever rendered:- Does it become null & void?
When Elisha haNavi stayed with the Shunammite woman and her husband no one set him up for bribery charges!
The Rabbi cannot even explain how charitably he disposed of the money, or intended to dispose of the money, as it would make the poor recipients embarrassed and ashamed in public.That was tzedaka that he collected.
The Rabbi should go free, a tzaddik should not be doubted.
He should be considered a sinner who has not repented. He has not only disgraced the name rabbi, but has brought disgrace to the Torah.
This is a chillul haShem that is one of the worst sins possible.
He should be banned from every shul in the world.
As long as Rabbi Metzger was not judged by a chareidi court he must be considered 100% innocent and no chillul Hashem was brought about, esp in Israel where jails are filled with loads of innocent Jews.
On the other hand, secular Jews, including the self proclaimed high court of injustice, have no chezkas kashrus and cannot be trusted with anything and might be lying through their teeth. They should have no say about anything dealing with religious Jews.
“However, unlike former cabinet ministers, prime minister and a president who were imprisoned, the Chilul Hashem here is unprecedented.”
Is this a Pesak, or an editorial opinion?
I think this goes beyond YWN’s remit.