The list of candidates seeking to become the next Chief Rabbis of Israel has been closed ahead of the election, which will take place on Wednesday, 17 Menachem Av 5773.

The candidates running for the post of Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel include Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi David Stav, Rabbi Eliezer Igra and Rabbi Yaakov Shapira.

The candidates running for the post of Rishon L’Tzion, Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel include Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Tzion Boaron, Rabbi Dr. Ratzon Arussi, Rabbi Yehuda Deri and Rabbi Eliyahu Abarjil.

There are 150 people voting in a hidden ballot. One requires a simple majority.

Israel Radio reports Rav Igra is under heavy pressure to pull out of the race, a move that would significantly assist Rav Stav. The report places Rav Lau slightly ahead in a neck-and-neck race with Rav Stav.

In the Rishon L’Tzion race, Rav Boaron is believed to have a good chance to emerge the successor. His candidacy is viewed as competing directly with Rav Yitzchak Yosef. Despite pressure to withdraw from the race, Rav Boaron stated he will see the election through to the end, endorsed by Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Moshe Shlomo Amar.

Rav Deri is expected to pull out and announce his support for Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)