Rishon L’Tzion HaRav Shlomo Moshe Amar on Wednesday sent a letter to all MKs, calling upon them to legislate a law that would prevent the Supreme Court from involving itself in kashrus matters, which fall solely under the jurisdiction of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The Rav’s move follows a court decision instructing a religious council to grant a kashrut certificate to a store owned by someone affiliated with Messianic Jews.

The Rav stated kashrus is not political, not diplomatic, not a state or government matter, but one of halacha and if a rabbis is not permitted to make such a designation, then who will.

Speaking to Kol Chai Radio on Wednesday evening, the Rishon L’Tzion explained that as the kedusha is greater, as is the case in Eretz Yisrael, the yetzer hora (evil inclination) is also greater. Referring to remarks from Justice Minister Neeman for Torah rule in Israel, he explained there are many among us willing to accept any and all cultures, except the Holy Torah, and this is indeed a problem. “The world is marveled by the knowledge and greatness of the Torah” yet we act as we do.

The Rav gave an example by citing the laws of an eved ivri (Jewish servant), stating the Torah exhibits concern regarding the conditions and live of the servant, and every aspect of his life, and those who ridicule the Torah are simply “ignorant”.

“It is difficult for them to come to terms with the reality that the very same Torah which they opt not to obey and live by is indeed the true path. This is difficult for them”.

Regarding Neeman’s statement, they are well aware that this is not the minister’s intention and he has no plans to move towards implementing Torah Law, but they cannot pass the opportunity to create a stir around his statements.

“As if we do not have enough problems, this kind of illness or another, our enemies from within and around us, those who threaten and wish to annihilate us, it is difficult to understand why we must now add this level of internal strife and disharmony”.

“For generations people went to a beis din, a din Torah to resolve conflict and here, in Israel, today, they want to abolish this. Here, in the name of democracy this is prohibited?”

The Rav explained we are in the “birth pangs of Moshiach” and as such, times are indeed going to be difficult.

The Rav concluded by explaining the “secret to our survival” surrounds getting along and avoiding civil war and increased divisiveness among residents, stating we must constantly strive to minimize conflict among ourselves.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)