In a shiur which the rabbi knows is recorded, Hgaon HaRav  David Yosef Shlita, a member of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council, slammed the Reform Movement in unprecedented terms. This is the second time of late the rabbi decided to speak out against the Reform. The first time some explained it is not entirely clear what he meant. This time around, it appears Rabbi Yosef decided not to leave any room for speculation as he stated Reform Jews worship “avoda zara”.

The rabbi left no room for interpretation or softening his remarks, explaining the Reform leaders removed links to Eretz HaKodesh in their prayers, do not accept Shabbos and do not recognize the Torah was given from Shomayim. He adds they do not keep kosher and do not accept mitzvos, questioning the need to toivel in a mikve. “Let them use a bathtub or a mixed swimming pool for they are not interested in tevila but provocation”. He stated that do not have any regard for the Kosel either and their actions in that area are clearly provocation, nothing less.

Rabbi Yosef adds that model their houses of worship after churches and clearly, they are not viewed as kosher Jews but those who worship avoda zara. He added “chilonim” (non-religious) are not to be compared to Reform in any way as the former are not observant yet while the latter denies everything that is holy to Am Yisrael.

Rabbi Yosef added that 80% of Reform Jewry is assimilated and they in no way represent any authentic side of Yiddishkheit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)