New Edition of Rabbi Shalom Shabazi's Work Released Amid Synagogue Eviction Threat

A festive event was held at the "Ezrat Achim" synagogue in Ness Ziona to celebrate the release of a new, expanded edition of Rabbi Shalom Shabazi's "Chemdat Yamim" commentary. The synagogue, which has been operating for over 70 years, is currently facing an eviction and demolition threat from the Israel Land Authority.

The event, attended by local rabbis, community leaders, and the public, highlighted Rabbi Shabazi's lesser-known scholarly works, which include interpretations and novellae on the Torah, in addition to his widely recognized poetry and liturgical pieces. The new edition, compiled by Tzion Bar Ma'oz over several years, is based on manuscripts and includes annotations and cross-references.

Singer Shalom Moalem performed songs and piyyutim (liturgical poems) by Rabbi Shabazi during the evening. Odad Bar Ma'oz, the editor's son, spoke about the synthesis of Torah scholarship and poetry in Rabbi Shabazi's legacy and the preservation of Yemenite Jewish heritage.

Copies of the "Chemdat Yamim" edition were distributed to representatives of synagogues in Ness Ziona. The distribution was overseen by Eran Rafael, Deputy Mayor and head of the religious culture portfolio.

Meanwhile, the "Ezrat Achim" community association continues its legal battle to prevent the eviction. The association has appealed to the Israel Land Authority to halt eviction proceedings and allow further negotiations with the municipality. They have also contacted Knesset members from the Shas party and the Minister of Construction and Housing, requesting their intervention to find an agreed-upon solution and prevent irreversible actions against the synagogue, which serves dozens of regular worshippers and a wider community.