Top Rabbi Rejects Temple Mount Shofar Blowing on Shabbat

Rabbi Eliyahu Rachamim Zini, head of the Or V'Yishuah Yeshiva in Haifa, issued a clarification on Friday stating that the permission to blow the shofar on the Temple Mount during Rosh Hashanah, which falls on Shabbat this year, should not be relied upon. His position contradicts that of the Temple Institute, which has permitted shofar blowing on the holy site under specific conditions.

Rabbi Zini emphasized that he does not oppose individuals who adhere strictly to halachic (Jewish law) requirements and show reverence for the sacred site from ascending the Temple Mount. However, he distinguished this from the permissibility of blowing the shofar on Shabbat, asserting that the conditions upon which past authorities based their rulings for shofar blowing are not met today.

While respectfully acknowledging those who permit the practice, whom he described as "certain respected figures whom I esteem," Rabbi Zini explained that their rulings were based on historical precedents from prominent rabbis. He felt compelled to clarify his stance to his followers due to the emergence of this permission.

"I am compelled to inform all those connected to me and listening to our decisions, that under no circumstances should this permission to blow the shofar on the Temple Mount today be relied upon," Rabbi Zini wrote. He reiterated that the "great figures" who permitted it did so under conditions that are not currently fulfilled.

Rabbi Zini concluded his statement with a blessing for the public, wishing "a good inscription and sealing, and heavenly blessings upon all the people of Israel."