After conducting a telephone poll on erev Shabbos, the members of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council decided to convene during chol hamoed. The council has been instructed by the Justice Ministry to convene to determine the eligibility of Rabbi Aryeh Stern concerning the upcoming Jerusalem Chief Rabbinate election. It has been learned that Rabbi Stern does not have a written semicha document and therefore his eligibility to run in the race is in question.

As was reported, Rabbi Shimon Elituv will preside over the forum as the chief rabbis of Israel are unable to take part in the session due to a conflict of interests, both with relatives running in the Jerusalem chief rabbinate race.

Kiryat Ono Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Dr. Ratzon Arussi told the media that what is being done to Rabbi Stern is an outrage and the matter must be corrected in an expeditious fashion. Rabbi Arussi feels the council should give a new semicha document if that is what is required and put the matter to rest. He adds Rabbi Stern was granted semicha from the Chief Rabbinate many years ago and the fact that he lacks a document is a formality and the process that is taking place is most disrespectful.

The election is set to take place on 23 Tishrei.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)