The Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council decided to ignore the recommendation of State Comptroller Yosef Shapira, appointing Holon Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Avraham Yosef as the nation’s posek in matters pertaining to shmitah.

In his latest report released earlier this week, Shapira cites the Chief Rabbinate Council also ignored the advice of the Chief Rabbinate’s legal counsel as the latter recommended against the appointment. Shapira documents in his report that a week before shmitah year began last year, Chief Rabbi David Lau Shlita polled council members by phone and Rav Yosef was appointed.

Shapira cites there was a conflict of interests since Rabbi Yosef’s family runs Badatz Beit Yosef and placing matters of shmitah exclusively in his hands is viewed as suspect since his decisions will have a direct impact on the kashrus agencies in Israel, including Beit Yosef. Shapira questions Rav Lau’s actions, pointing out the other rabbonim serving on the council are qualified for the position as well.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)