The TZOHAR Rabbinical Organization released the following statement in response to a report that forces in the Chief Rabbinate are working to have Efrat Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Riskin deposed from his position:
“Above any effort to depose Rabbi Riskin flies a clear red flag of revenge directed against his positions and halachic decisions.
Rabbi Riskin, who has led the community of Efrat with love and dedication and is beloved by so many, is a true symbol of spiritual leadership. And instead of exalting his accomplishments, figures in the Rabbanut are choosing to force the Rabbi into early retirement because of their political considerations or apparently so that they can appoint insiders in his place.
Rabbi Riskin has served on the TZOHAR Rabbinical Council and has been a visionary leader in advancing the cause of halachic conversion and other issues critical to Israel’s Jewish identity.
TZOHAR will do everything possible to combat the hostility emerging from charedi leaders who seem intent on exerting control over Israel’s halachic and rabbinic discourse.”
