It appears, at least according to many, that Moshe Leon’s decision to announce his candidacy for the Jerusalem mayoral race is the work of Shas leader Aryeh Deri. According to an Arutz-7 report, there is more to the deal.
Leon last week met with Merkaz HaRav Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, seeking his backing in the mayoral race in exchange for his support as mayor in the Jerusalem rabbinate race.
The Sephardi Chief Rabbis post Leon explained will be left in Shas’ hands to select a rav, Arutz-7 explains. It should be pointed out that Rav Shapira has over the years maintained an excellent relationship with Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, so the Gadol Hador and Shas would be comfortable with him serving as Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem.
When asked to respond, Leon stated he met the rav last week by chance, nothing more. Rav Shapira responded, explaining he does not deal with such matters during bein hazmanim.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
This post is not clear.
Are we talking about Mayor or chief Rabbis of Jerusalem?
It makes me sad to see the post of Rabbi being traded like any other commodity in the market. Is this what we have come to? Where is the glory of the Torah when the whole world can see us “horse-trading” for rabbinical positions?