Rabbi Yosef Criticizes Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount Visits, Sparks Debate
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef again criticized National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for visiting the Temple Mount, calling it a defiance of rabbinic authority. Ben-Gvir did not respond to the latest attack, continuing a pattern of silence. The article disputes Yosef's claim that all major rabbis opposed such visits, citing numerous religious figures who supported or permitted ascents to the holy site.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef condemned Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's Temple Mount visit as defying rabbinic consensus.
- Ben-Gvir chose not to respond to Yosef's repeated criticisms regarding ascents to the Temple Mount.
- The article challenges Yosef's assertion that all prominent rabbis opposed Temple Mount visits.
- Several rabbis, including descendants of Rabbi Kook, are cited as supporting or not prohibiting ascents.
- The piece notes a historical pattern of opposition to certain rabbis within the religious community.
- Rabbi Shlomo Goren's view that prohibitions surrender the Temple Mount to Islam is mentioned.
Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef reiterated his strong opposition to ascending the Temple Mount, directly criticizing National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for his recent visit to the site. Yosef stated that Ben-Gvir defied the opinions of "all the great rabbis of Israel" and questioned how such a person, who allegedly disrespects rabbinic authority, could be given power. Ben-Gvir, known for not remaining silent in the face of criticism, did not respond to Yosef's latest remarks.
This is not the first time Yosef has attacked Ben-Gvir over the Temple Mount issue. In a previous instance, Yosef also sharply criticized Rabbi Dov Lior, questioning his authority and stating that Lior did not compare to other prominent rabbis. Yosef also referenced past comments from 2014 where he labeled rabbis who permit ascending the Temple Mount as "League D rabbis."
Despite the controversy, many within the Religious Zionist community, including their rabbis, have largely refrained from responding to Yosef's repeated criticisms over the years. The article draws a parallel to the historical persecution faced by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook by his contemporaries, suggesting a similar pattern of opposition.
However, the article argues that Yosef's claim that "all the great rabbis of Israel" opposed ascending the Temple Mount is inaccurate. It cites several prominent rabbis, including the sons and grandsons of Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Shar Yishuv Cohen, and former Chief Rabbi Yitzchak Nissim, who either supported or did not prohibit ascending the Temple Mount in permitted areas. The article also lists numerous other rabbis who have supported such ascents or advocated for establishing a Jewish prayer space on the Temple Mount.
Furthermore, the piece references Rabbi Shlomo Goren, who argued that the continued rabbinic prohibition on ascending the Temple Mount effectively handed the site over to Islamic control. The author laments that rabbinic authorities who oppose ascents seem to ignore this warning.
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