The posting on the Facebook page of Likud MK and former Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin on erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed Sukkos 5774 surprised many, for he wrote, “today, my Ushpizin is Rav Shach ZT”L, a figure of a large rav and leader who spared nothing when it came to his people and did not refrain from giving his bracha in cases he had something to say and had be the decisive factor.”

Rivlin continues, speaking about his major role in the passing of the nation’s Basic Law, and how he met with Rav Shach who was acquainted with his family and despite his opposition, the gadol hador was willing to hear what Rivlin had to say and he was persuaded to support the law, which is designed to protect the basic rights of individuals. “It was during the meeting that I realized that I merited discussing and arguing the point with one of greatness of a stature that we have not seen in past generations.”

For those wondering why Rivlin decided to post this, one may feel there is a connection between his past, his roots and the fact that his bureau chief if the wife of the head of Degel Hatorah in Betar Illit, Rav Yitzchak Ravitz, the son of the late Degel leader, Rabbi Avraham Ravitz Z”L.

Some speculate the posting may be a warm message to the leaders in Degel today in the hope of gaining their support in the presidential race. Rivlin is expected to be a candidate to become Israel’s next president.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / 1st Day Chol Hamoed Sukkos in Eretz Yisrael)