Minister of Religious Services (Shas) David Azoulai has approved a new position in the Rishon L’Tzion’s office, a person who would serve under Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef Shlita. The job is for a new advisor, whose monthly salary will be NIS 27,000, amounting to about NIS 400,000 annually when one factors tax and other costs of the position.

According to the Kalkalist report, Azoulai wants the position categorized as one of ‘imun’ (trust), which means it is exempt from the process of a tender and permits Rabbi Yosef to appoint the person he wishes. He also tried pushing it through as a cabinet decision that has no objections, which means it does not require discussion during a cabinet meeting. If there are no objections from ministers by Thursday, 28 Teves, then it will be approved by the cabinet.

In describing it to his colleagues, Azoulai explains it must be a person Rabbi Yosef can work with, one capable of adopting to the rabbi’s needs and hashkafa, and his thought process, all but eliminating anyone Rabbi Yosef does not hand pick.

Azoulai explains that the Rishon L’Tzion has many duties including Av Beis Din of the Supreme Beis Din, demanding this position to permit him to meet his responsibilities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)