Filling the post of Acting Chief Rabbi of Ohr Yehuda seems to be the focus of the latest dispute in rabbinical circles as more than one person vies for this post. The process has involved many, including Israel’s chief rabbis, legal advisors and askanim, each pushing in his respective direction.

 The story begins with the sudden death of the former rav, Rabbi David Braum zt”l, in Nissan. About a month later, Rabbi Yaakov Edri, who oversees the city’s marriage registry department, was appointed at the acting rav for marriage matters, to affix his name as the city’s chief rabbis for the purpose of marriage registration, a higher position than just heading the marriage registry unit. Simultaneously, Chief Rabbis Yona Metzger Shlita and Shlomo Amar Shlita decided to appoint Cholon Chief Rabbi Avraham Yosef Shlita and Rabbi Bentzion Nesher to oversee the city’s kashrus.

After about a year, Rav Edri was the impetus behind a letter from the rabbinate’s legal counsel which appointed him as the acting rav of the city until elections for a replacement for Rabbi Braum or until the chief rabbis decide otherwise. It now appears that a letter was sent on 5 Av from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel removing Rav Edri and appointing Rav Yosef.

On 7 Av, Rav Edri sent a letter to Rav Shlomo Amar Shlita, challenging the decision, pointing out it was made without permitting him the opportunity to defend his post. Rav Edri sent another letter to attorney Shimon Ulman, the legal advisor of the Chief Rabbinate, telling him that he understands he was removed from his post without justification, due to pressure exerted by Rabbi Avraham Yosef. He adds that he investigated and learned the matter of appointing Rabbi Yosef was not on the agenda of the meeting of the Chief Rabbinate Council, and the decision was made without a formal proper vote. Rabbi Edri adds that the legal advice sought by him has revealed the decision may be challenged and it may not be binding.

Nevertheless a letter was sent from the office of Chief Rabbi Metzger informing Rav Edri that Rav Yosef is replacing him, Chadrei Chareidim reports.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)