The Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council expressed disapproval and anger over growing and constant High Court of Justice involvement in matters of halacha. All too often, members of the council are compelled to convene and discuss yet another High Court ruling that deals with matters of halacha and the rabbonim feel these matters should be left to them to adjudicate, not the secular High Court.

According to a Kikar Shabbos News report, during a recent meeting of the council, Beersheva Chief Rabbi Yehuda Deri Shlita was furious, stating “I am shocked that all of us sit here quietly as we see the High Court trend. A fool would think, and I say this mostly about myself, that this will stop with the issue of the mikvaos of the egalitarian prayer area by the Kosel”.

Rav Deri warned colleagues of the trend, explaining “time and time again we convene to discuss High Court decisions [that have halachic ramifications. We cannot plug holes [made by the High Court] all day. Why don’t we release an emotional call as a requirement or request that all matters of religion should be left to us to deal with us autonomously. The High Court cannot begin to intervene in all religious matters”.

Deri feels that the words must be said even if they are not heard for clearly the High Court is also affected by public opinion. He feels the court has exceeded all acceptable boundaries and the time has come for the Rabbinate to go to battle “for the soul of the nation”.

Council member HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Rosa said “From the day the Chief Rabbinate of Israel was established and the progress since then, today the Rabbanut is disgraced”.

Rav Deri remained adamant, telling his colleagues they must act for if not, the trend will worsen. He questions the value of the establishment of the Chief Rabbinate if the nation’s Supreme Court can change its decisions at will. “We are calling for autonomy regarding matters of religion”. Deri believes an impassioned plea to the High Court can indeed have a positive effect.

HaGaon HaRav Avraham Yosef Shlita added “The Rishon L’Tzion responded to the court’s decision and the court president, Justice Naor responded ‘it’s none of your business’”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)