Rav Avraham Rubinstein was shocked following the praise showered upon him during a visit with HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita.

“You are Bnei Brak’s next mayor” the rav is quoted saying to his guest, who came to consult with Rav Chaim in a personal matter. Rav Kanievsky continued “this is the city of the Chazon Ish and you should go right now and begin wearing a long coat as was his way”.

Rav Rubinstein is the secretary of the Degel Hatorah Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael and served for a year as acting mayor of the city prior to the last municipal election. He filled in after the former mayor, MK Rav Yaakov Asher entered Knesset. Today Rav Rubinstein also serves as the chairman of Degel in the city and as well as a deputy mayor.

Rubinstein tried to play down his position, to which Rav Chaim reportedly said “Shall I give you mine”, surprising him even more regarding his long outer garment.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)