Prominent dati leumi community posek Rabbi Shlomo Aviner Shlita is likely to come out supporting Rabbi David Lau in the latter’s effort to become Israel’s next Ashkenazi chief rabbi. This is based on a column by Rabbi Aviner appearing in the weekend Major Rishon newspaper, backed by reports from the daily Maariv which are reportedly based on speaking with associates of the rav.
In his Makor Rishon piece Rabbi Aviner speaks of the importance of having a Zionist chief rabbi as well as quoting Rabbi Kook regarding the many “camps” that exist in Am Yisrael and the importance of bridging camps and respecting one another.
When asked if one may vote for a non-Zionist candidate for chief rabbi, Rabbi Aviner is quoted saying “This is not what is most important. Even if he is not a Zionist, once he will be a job he must be a holy man and wise man who will guide properly. He will seek to instruct people not to commit aveiros and to fulfill the mitzvos, be virtuous and live a holy and pure life, and this certainly precedes the part of Zionism.”
How can the rabbi of the nation not be in favor of the state?
Rav Aviner responds this would not be logical but explains that before you are representative of the Klall one must be a part of the Klall just as one must be a good soldier before becoming a platoon commander.
It appears the reason the rav has not yet come out in favor of Rabbi David Lau, who he feels best fits the job description among today’s candidates, is that Rabbi Aviner wishes to see if Rosh Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav Rabbi Yaakov Shapira Shlita announces his candidacy. If Rav Shapira does enter the race, Rabbi Aviner plans to support him and if not, it appears likely Rabbi Aviner will not support Rabbi David Stav, but Rabbi David Lau, who today serves as the chief rabbi of Modi’in.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Rabbi David Lau ,who has always been wishy washy,served in the IDF,was rabbi of center left Modi`ìn;who`s uncle was an Haàretz journalist,buddy of Shimon Peres and Mapai Party insider,is suddenly something other than a card carrying zionist.