Shas Council of Torah Sages member HaGaon HaRav Moshe Maya Shlita has expressed sharp criticism over the party and its relationship with the Torah Council since the petira of HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZT”L .

According to the Walla News report based on a voice recording received, Rabbi Maya is heard saying “The council does not convene and it does nothing. They do whatever they please. I am a good soldier, not a commander. There is no council. I am lying to myself that I sign on behalf of the council”.

Rabbi Maya then comments on all three Torah Councils. “There is a problem of working on Shabbos. How can we remain in a government coalition when there is chilul Shabbos? The Degel Moetzas Gedolei Torah does not convene. The Agudas Yisrael Moetzas Gedolei Torah does not meet. The Shas Moetzas Gedolei Torah does not meet. So why do I have to say I am a member of the council?”

It is pointed out that even during the life of Maran, Rav Maya did not wish to serve on the council but he did attend meetings out of respect to Rav Ovadia.

In a conversation with Walla Rav Maya clarified, “The situation remains the same but in place of Rav Ovadia Chacham Shalom Cohen and Chacham Shimon Ba’adani are serving. I continue to be a good Shas soldier. Do you think I would utter a word [publicly] against the council?”

Responding to the fact that he does not generally attend Shas functions, Rav Maya adds “Did I ever attend. I continue now as I did during the tenure of Rav Ovadia. Nothing has changed. I do not feel suited to serve on the council and that is how it is”.

Before ending the conversation Rav Maya added “In my view, it is prohibited to remain in the government. We must leave and lend support from the outside. I see however that my opinion is not the majority one”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)