In his victory address, Jerusalem Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Aryeh Stern Shlita told the tzibur that his first priority in his new post is the mending of rifts and bringing shalom to the community. Rav Stern spoke with Kol Berama Radio shortly after being elected, stating “בעזרת ה’ שנעשה ונצליח, that I will merit living up to the expectations many have for me and that I will be MeKadesh Shem Shomayim”. He explained the latter is the essence of what his position is about.

Rabbi Stern opted to address the rifts that developed as a result of the election and he hopes to address this as his first challenge as chief rabbi. He feels that despite the tensions and differences of opinion, a dialogue must be maintained between talmidei chachamim from the different communities, a dialogue of Torah and emunah, not one of politics and this will be a giant step towards mending the rift”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)