Attorney Batya Kahana-Dror, a liberal Orthodox activist and Rabbi Avraham Dov Levine, a frum rav, have managed to elicit the ire of Chief Rabbi of Israel Dovid Lau Shlita and the Chief Rabbinate Council. Their concern surrounds the performance of chupahs which are described as “conforming to halacha” but including components that are not accepted by the Chief Rabbinate.
The concern from the Chief Rabbinate comes from articles appearing in Yediot Achronot by Yifat Erlich, explaining the uniqueness of the chupahs they arrange, marriage ceremonies conducted by Rav Levine. It is reported that Rav Lau has briefed the rabbonim who serve on the council, explaining he plans to launch a committee to probe the possibility of revoking Rabbi Levine’s authorization to perform marriages.
According to Erlich the ceremonies in question were in accordance with halacha and the objectionable actions include;
· Women reciting one of the sheva brachos.
· Exchange of good wishes between the chosson & kallah during the chupah.
It is pointed out that since the Chief Rabbinate does not permit any of these types of changes in marriage, the couples interested in such a chupah turn to Kahana-Dror and or Rav Levine.
Kahana-Dror does not hide her agenda, as she envisions a chupah of equality, one in which the kallah plays an active role. Rav Levine, a member of the Jerusalem Religious Council and talmid of Rav Elyashiv ZT”L explains that for as long as there is compliance to the halachic aspects of a chupah, he is willing to introduce these new components, the Yediot Achronot article dated September 16, 2016 explains. Rav Levine will not hear of any compromise when it comes to the witnesses, the chosson giving the kallah a ring and the other halachic components of the chupah. He is simply showing flexibility, permitting slight changes when he feels halacha is not compromised.
The article quotes Rabbi Levine explaining the Chief Rabbinate is bound by its status and pressure exerted on the organization. As such, “They are marrying Jews and goyim for a phone call is made by a government member or right clerk to the Chief Rabbi telling them this marriage must take place or be registered and they have no choice other to register them as instructed”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
Rabbi Levine, it is not just the Chief Rabbinate that “is bound by its status and pressure exerted on the organization.”, the whole country works like that. If you know the right people the doors are always open for you. If you are one of the unfortunates who has no protekzia you are in deep trouble if you ever need anything.
Rabbi Levine, either show us where Rav Shlomo Zalman approved these “innovations” in writing or cite a living godol who backs them. If you can’t do that – and I’m sure you can’t – then you are no better than Kahana-Dror and presumably you either share her agenda or have some kind of ulterior motive (like $) for going along with her.
Talmud huyo shhoya metahar es hasheretz b’150 tamim’you cn not be oiver allacha and the wedding can look christian. thats why minhug mevTL DIN
Coorection for #3’talmud huyyoo shehoyoo metahr es hasheretz b’150 tamim..’ You can make a wedding look christian and not be oiver 1 din. Thats why minhg mevatel did. dinone can come like these ‘rabbis’ with pilpul ‘it not against halac’ but minhug….’thats how our holy rabbis, ancestors did it no reason whatsoever