The response by some members of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council to the urgent letter sent by Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz has been less than favorable. According to A Kikar Shabbos report, quoting some rabbonim on the council anonymously, they are furious over his call to convene the council in urgent session to address Reform Movement gains at the Kosel.
In fact, the anonymous responses blame Rabbi Rabinowitz for the current situation, stating “his actions along the way have led to the current situation”.
“One would expect at present he would permit ‘other adults’ to address the matter wisely and repair the damage created. No one need his advice that has brought us to this point” a senior Chief Rabbinate source is quoted saying.
Kikar turned to Rabbi Rabinowitz for a response, but he stated he does not plan to respond to comments from “anonymous sources who constantly fling sludge at the rabbi who struggled alone for the sanctity of the Kosel, using anonymous messages and absolute inaction”.
Officials in Rabbi Rabinowitz’s office are quoted adding that unfortunately, using anonymous messages acting as they do simply leads to a further decline in the situation and demands a higher price regarding the sanctity of the Kosel.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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Remember that Rabinowitz was the genius who initially insisted that Pope Ben not wear his tzelem when he visited the Kosel several years ago, a suggestion wisely ignored by the Foreign Ministry. He has elevated the Women of the Wall and similar groups to greater status by his efforts to restrict their ability to engage in their own ceremonies. There are many chashuve rabbonim in EY whose common sense guidance is more likely to lead to sensible outcomes on protecting the dignity of such a makom kadosh .