Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto this week appeared before the Tel Aviv District Court this week as ordered despite his complex medical situation. The rav this week returned to Israel from New York City, where he underwent a series of surgeries and medical procedure to battle his cancer.

The rabbi pleaded guilty to offering a bribe in line with his plea bargain agreement, explaining he did so not because he is guilty but to protect his rebitzen from criminal charges.

Greeted by his followers in his Ashdod beis medrash the rav explained it is not possible to be a tzaddik without enduring yisurim. He compared himself to Rabbi Akiva, who “learned torah despite the difficulties and the risks involved”. He added that HKBH give koach to people that are supernatural and that was the case with Rabbi Akiva, with the latter explaining to his talmidim that one who works on himself can reach levels beyond one’s expectations.

Rav pinto had harsh words for his critics, stating he hopes that he will be wrapped in the papers that carry their words as a kapora, insisting he has not done anything wrong.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)