The High Court of Justice today, Monday, rejected a number of petitions seeking to halt the election for chief rabbis in Petach Tikvah.

As a result, the election was delayed, scheduled originally for today, but the court’s unwillingness to interfere has cleared the way for the 48 members of the election body to cast their ballots tomorrow.

YWN-ISRAEL reported earlier this month that there was considerable conflict surrounding the election, but it now appears the coast is clear to elect the new officials.

By all accounts, Rabbi Binyamin Atias, a brother of Housing Minister Ariel Atias will serve as the Sephardi chief rabbi and Rabbi Micha Levy; the National Religious Party candidate will serve as the Ashkenazi chief rabbi.

It is quite possible that the court’s decision today may impact the Jerusalem Rabbinate race as well, for the Ashkenazi chareidi camp is counting on the High Court to postpone the election but it is entirely possible the court’s unwillingness to become involved may carry over to the capital as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)