Due to the weakened state of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita, the Hachtarah (coronation) ceremony of Rishon L’Tzion Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef will not only be held in the Yochanan Ben-Zakai Shul in Jerusalem’s Old City, but a second ceremony will take place. In past years, the traditional ceremony of the new Rishon L’Tzion was held in the shul but this time, a second ceremony will be held in Maran’s home to permit the gadol hador to participate.

It was first hoped that Rav Ovadia would be able to attend the ceremony in the shul, but his difficulty in ambulating and weakened condition after being hospitalized does not permit him to do so.

Only a small number of family members, dayanim and notables will be able to attend the ceremony with Rav Ovadia. Since Rav Ovadia does not wish to offend the shul or invited guests, the morning ceremony in the shul will be held and following it, at about 14:00, the ceremony will take place in the gadol hador’s home, permitting him to place the robe of the Rishon L’Tzion on his son. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Monday, 12 Tishrei 5774.

It is pointed out that the decision to hold an additional ceremony was not made lightly and Rav Ovadia did wish to attend the morning ceremony buy he simply is not capable of the travel and the physical exertion involved in getting there.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)