An effort may be underway in the Ministry of Religious Services to extend the term of the current Chief Rabbis of Yerushalayim, HaGaon HaRav Aryeh Stern Shlita and HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Moshe Amar Shlita.

Rav Amar’s term was already extended for an additional five years, until he reaches his 75th birthday. Two and a half years ago, in a similar move, Rav Stern’s term was also extended. As such, the two will be ending their terms within the coming five years.

There are persons in the ministry interested in amending the regulations to permit them to continue until they reach 80, a move that will require amending the regulations of the ministry, which is currently run by Shas chairman Minister Aryeh Deri. Deri took over the ministry when Minister David Azoulai Z”L became too ill, shortly before his petira. The initiative came from person wishing to see Rav Stern continue, for his term ends in about 2.5 years.

It should be noted that if the move is not approved, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi is expected to be elected only five years later, after the local elections – shortly after the election of the Chief Rabbis of Israel.

It will be somewhat complicated since Rav Amar will end his term of office about six months before the elections. The Ministry of Justice does not permit elections for the rabbonim adjacent to elections.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)