Rabbi David Stav, who is the rabbi of the community of Shoham and the head of the Tzohar Rabbonim organization, is still interested in possibly putting his name in as a candidate to become the next Ashkenazi chief rabbi. The rav in the past explained that he will run if he and his colleagues feel they have sufficient support, but if they do not see this to be the case, the will not run.

In the past days, a number of senior rabbonim affiliated with the dati leumi community have endorsed the rav’s candidacy. Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, a senior dati leumi posek is among them, citing in his opinion, Rav Stav is a talmid chacham and well suited for the post.

HaGaon HaRav Aaron Lichtenstein Shlita quoted the Rambam, הלכות סנהדרין, concluding Rabbi Stav over the years have proven himself and would be a fine chief rabbi, acknowledging his vast torah knowledge and suitability for the position

Also backing the rav is former IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Avichai Ronsky, citing that in addition to being a talmid chacham, he is a certified dayan and his community activities over the years have proven him more than capable for the post.

The election of the chief rabbis will not take place until after the general elections on 11 Sivan 5773.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)