In a petulant fashion not befitting their duties, the Chief Rabbinate of Israel is weighing a decision whether or not end Rabbi Shlomo Riskin’s position as the Chief Rabbi of Efrat. Since Rabbi Riskin is turning seventy-five this week, the official age of retirement for chief rabbis, he could theoretically step down after a life of dedicated service. But, as is frequently done, most rabbis continue their career and the Rabbinate extends their tenure by another five years until the age of eighty as a courtesy. In the case of Rabbi Riskin, however, the Chief Rabbinate, in their stead, are myopically seeking to rebuke his years of service over political—not spiritual—matters.
Rabbi Riskin is a leading light in Israel and for the Jewish people, having established a strong educational system, brought many Jews home to Israel from the diaspora, advocated for Israel and Torah around the world, and having created a unique and powerful model of a new community which he deserves much credit for building and cultivating since 1983 when he founded the modern community of Efrat. But even more, he means a lot to me personally, as a mentor, teacher, and close confidante who I studied closely with for years. He is someone I can look up to as a model for Torah insight, piety, and ethical forthrightness. Without him, I don’t know where I would be today in my Jewish learning and leadership.
Read Full Article »