Shas Elder Rabbi Moshe Maya Recounts His Knesset Entry Instructions
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Shas Elder Rabbi Moshe Maya revealed instructions he received before entering the Knesset 40 years ago. He was told by Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul to follow Rabbi Ovadia's guidance. Maya was specifically advised to avoid initiating legislation or questions, and instead focus on monitoring committee proceedings. The 91-year-old rabbi continues to support Shas's election efforts.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Maya detailed instructions received before his Knesset service 40 years ago.
- He was told by Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul to follow Rabbi Ovadia's directives.
- Maya was instructed to only monitor Knesset committee activities, not initiate actions.
- The 91-year-old is the elder of Shas's Council of Torah Sages.
- Shas is currently holding election rallies nationwide.
Rabbi Moshe Maya, the 91-year-old elder of the Council of Torah Sages for the Shas party, recently shared a personal anecdote from his time as a Knesset member approximately 40 years ago. Speaking at a Shas "Yeshiva Students' Staff" event in Bnei Brak, Maya recounted his uncertainty about entering politics and the guidance he received from prominent rabbis.
He explained that upon being obligated to serve in the Knesset, he felt unprepared and sought counsel from Rabbi Ben Zion Abba Shaul and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. Rabbi Abba Shaul instructed Maya to follow the directives of his own rabbi, stating, "Your rabbi is Rabbi Ovadia, do what he tells you, do not stray from his words right or left." Maya recalled the specific instruction he received regarding his parliamentary duties: "Do not ask questions, do not pass laws, do not do anything, just sit in committees and watch very carefully that things are not passed."
Maya, who has been associated with Shas since its founding, continues to participate in the party's election rallies, offering his blessings. The party is currently intensifying its election campaign activities across the country, holding rallies with members of the Council of Torah Sages to encourage voter turnout.