In a major move, the chassidish community has decided to place its support behind Rav Moshe Chaim Lau, a son of Rav Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita in the race for Jerusalem Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi.

The deal seems all but closed after the Belze Rebbe Shlita on motzei Shabbos signed his name to the letter signed earlier by the Sanzer Rebbe Shlita. The letter is endorsed by the chassidish community and rabbonim, calling to work on behalf of Rav’s Lau’s effort to enter the post that has been vacant for a number of years.

The letter was signed by a number of other prominent rabbonim Shlita, including the Seret-Vishnitz Rebbe, HaRav HaTzaddik Yisrael Hager, HaGaon HaRav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger (Kol Torah), and HaGaon HaRav Zarchi (Yeshivas Chevron).

While the Litvish leaders appears undecided, the meeting last week between HaRav Yisrael Meir Lau and Maran HaGaon Rav Yosef Sholom Elyashiv seems to have resulted in facts on the ground regarding the race for ashkenazi candidate. Shas seems eager to support the Yahadut HaTorah candidate as well, expecting support for the sephardi candidate in return, HaGaon HaRav Yitzchak Yosef. This would effectively block the dati leumi candidate, yet to be announced, who will earn the support of Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in exchange for the dati leumi support in the mayoral race as per a pre-election agreement.

During the motzei Shabbos meeting with the Belze Rebbe Shlita, Rav Yisrael Meir Lau Shlita spoke of his connection with previous admorim from Belze, mentioning his meeting with Rav Aaron M’Belze ZT”L ZY”A, explaining he extended his hand without the towel he usually used, feeling his hand and commenting “this is the son of Kedoshim”.

At the end of the one-hour meeting, the Rebbe signed his endorsement and have a bracha for the success of Rav Lau’s son. In addition, while the Rebbe Shlita did not sign the letter, reports indicate Rav Lau also has the support of the Gerrer Chassidus.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)