In a letter sent to Rabbanei Tzohar rabbis and kallah teachers on Friday, Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5773, Rabbi David Stav thanks them for their support during recent weeks. The rav addresses the imaginary split that exists between him and Rabbi Yaakov Ariel Shlita, discarding any and all attempts to portray this as reality. Rav Stav explains that he did not believe that the agreement to announced Rav Ariel’s candidacy for the chief rabbis race had much of a chance, but this in no way signals any machlokes between him and Rav Ariel, who has served as Tzohar’s rav/posek for many years.

Rav Stav explains the respect he has for Rav Ariel, the posek of the organization, and angrily responds to those working to facilitate machlokes between them when this is not the case. Rav Stav explains that Rav Ariel is the “rav” and he is the “talmid” and there is no machlokes. He adds that in recent weeks he observed a self-imposed media blackout on himself, not commenting on events, but now feels he must continue efforts to become the next Ashkenazi chief rabbi as it is clear the deal proposed by Rav Druckman Shlita is not likely to enjoy Shas’ support.

Rabbi Stav also announced weeks ago that if Rav Ariel runs, he would drop out of the race.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)