The Ministry of Religious Services has summoned the Chief Rabbi of Kfar Saba Rabbi Avraham Shalush Shlita, 87, to inform him he must step down. The rav has been serving in his position for over 50 years.

Ministry officials explain that an investigation authorized by the ministry’s legal counsel and the Attorney General’s Office has revealed the rav is a resident of Yerushalayim while serving in his capacity as Chief Rabbi of the city and this has without a doubt compromised his ability to serve residents of the city.

According to the MyNet report, the rav has been summoned to a hearing to permit him to present his case as the ministry seeks to compel his retirement.

According to officials in the ministry, the investigation revealed the rav is not living in Kfar Saba as is seen by the electric and water bills on his apartment in Kfar Saba. Investigators report the rav arrives for a few hours a day a number of times weekly, no more. This is contrary to regulations compelling a rav to be a resident of the city he serves in.

The rav is quoted saying the legal counsel of the ministry “is an evil man who has been hounding me for a decade”, adding the Chief Rabbis of Israel are the only one with the authority to compel him to step down.

When asked to comment, Minister of Religious Affairs David Azoulai stated “I have stated numerous times. The ministry will not fire rabbonim on my watch. I will not be a part of such action”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)