It appears the Chabad rabbonim who are counted among the 150 voters selecting Israel’s new chief rabbis are likely to select Rabbi Yaakov Shapira and Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu.

Leading Chabad Rov/Posek Rav Tuvia Blau Shlita, who heads the Chabad community in N’vei Yaakov, published a letter calling on the Chabad rabbonim to vote for these two rabbonim. He adds that “it appears to me these are the only two candidates that any of the non-frum voters among the 150 will not vote for.”

It is significant to point out the rav’s letter is not a directive, published under the banner “a point for reflection”. The rav reminds his colleagues that the Rebbe regarding the Chief Rabbinate of Israel the “Rabbanut of the Government”, well aware of the system by which they are elected. Nevertheless Rav Blau decides to give his input regarding the upcoming election, citing שבהשגחה פרטית the Chabad rabbonim are included in the group of 150.

Some of the points highlighted by Rav Blau:

1) These two rabbonim are friends and maintain an excellent working relationship with one another.

2) Their Yiras Shomayim precedes their Chochma.

3) It is know the two possess vast Torah knowledge.

4) They have expressed daas Torah regarding issues at hand without any hesitation.

5) Their pristine reputations are above reproach.

6) Above all, the relationship they maintained with the late Rebbe ZT”L ZY”A. Their admiration for the Rebbe on the one hand and his mutual feelings for them.

Rav Blau is confident that if elected, the two will carry on the work of their late father’s ZT”L.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)