by Rav Dr. Joseph Frager, Chairman of RAA/Igud’s Israel Advocacy Commission
Historically, the Jewish People have always done better when their political leaders have gotten behind their Rabbinical leaders. One of the reasons for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s success and longevity has been his respect and rapport with Rabbinical leaders. It should not be lost on or forgotten by future Prime Ministers. It is to Ben Gurion’s credit that he had a close relationship with first Chief Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Kook of Blessed Memory. It is also a remarkable feat that Ben Gurion continued the Chief Rabbinate and handed over control of marriages, conversions, divorce and Kashrut after the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaCohen Z’L envisioned the Chief Rabbinate as a position as follows: “The Rabbanut will have an impact by virtue of its constant efforts to bring people together, to inject a spirit of harmony among all parties and factions, and to strengthen the Torah and its honor in the Holy Land and throughout the world.” It is up to all of us to achieve this lofty goal. [...Click headline above for more...]
Rav Duvid Katz, Menahel of Igud HaRabbonim, on Parshiyos Nitzavim-Vayeilech
