Rehovot Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Simcha HaKohen Kook Shlita addressed a kenos of rabbonim from around Israel, chareidim and dati leumim alike. The rav spoke about the ongoing government effort to induct bnei yeshivos into the IDF. A number of rabbonim viewed as contenders to become the next Chief Rabbis of Israel were in attendance including Rav David Lau and Rav Yaakov Shapira.

The rav explained the as a whole, it is understood that we are heading in a better direction and there are only a few in number who stand in Knesset and shout “I am mechalel Shabbos”. A person who was mechalel Shabbos in the past understood his actions and he was ashamed but today, to sit in Knesset and say this. These people refer to bnei yeshivos as ‘parasites’.”

He continues by referring to the different prime ministers since Ben-Gurion who wished to draft bnei yeshivos, but none did for ultimately, they sat with roshei yeshiva and the elders and they backed down, for they realized what they were about to do. In this Knesset the rav explains they did not sit with roshei yeshiva, condemning and warning in the strongest words of what will occur chas v’sholom if bnei Torah are drafted. “Who knows where this can lead and this voice must be heard. We haven’t heard a word from the Chief Rabbinate. How can they remain silent on such an issue?”

Rav Kook spoke of the fact that if Rav Kook ZT”L could ever imagine a day when the Rabbanut could reach a level, a level that some get up and announce one does not need kabolas mitzvos to convert to Judaism, adding such a person denies Har Sinai…” These comments were made in reference to the candidacy of Rabbi David Stav, albeit without mentioning the rav by name.

Following the kenos, Rav Stav was interviewed by the secular media and asked if he would permit one to convert that does not accept Torah and mitzvos. The rav stated this was part of the process and a person unwilling to live a life of adhering to Torah and mitzvos cannot convert.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)