Rabbi Riskin on Tension with the Chief Rabbinate, and Rabbi Feuer on the Priestly Blessing

(((CLICK BELOW TO HEAR AUDIO)))

Shlomo Riskin, chief rabbi and co-founder of the Judean settlement of Efrat, rubs Israel's Chief Rabbinate the wrong way. His liberal stance on conversion, women's involvement in religious rites and other issues is now causing the rabbinate to threaten not to renew his contract, as he has turned 75. A slew of rabbis and public officials have come out in support of his continued tenure. Riskin joins Yishai to discuss his relations with the Chief Rabbinate and his positions on Jewish law.

Then, in this week's Torah portion in the Book of Numbers, "Naso," God gives direction to the Jewish priests on how to bless the Jewish people: "May God light His face unto you." But does God really have a face? In preparation for Shabbat, Rabbi Mike Feuer joins Yishai to discuss the Priestly blessing, the Nazarite and the seemingly repetitive offerings of the tribe leaders.

Yishai Fleisher on Twitter: @YishaiFleisher Yishai on Facebook