Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Rabbi Shlomo Goren's Complex Relationship and Reconciliation
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Rabbi Shai Hirsh detailed the complex relationship between former Israeli Chief Rabbis Ovadia Yosef and Shlomo Goren, who served together in Tel Aviv and later as Chief Rabbis of Israel. Despite a severe dispute over the "Brother and Sister" case, they eventually reconciled and maintained a warm connection. Rabbi Yosef spoke of their deep affection and overcoming discord sown by "wicked people," a sentiment echoed in Rabbi Goren's eulogy delivered by Rabbi Yosef.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Chief Rabbis Ovadia Yosef and Shlomo Goren had a complex relationship marked by cooperation and a severe dispute.
- The "Brother and Sister" case caused a significant rift between the two rabbis for several years.
- Rabbi Yosef spoke of their deep mutual love and overcoming "wicked people" who tried to sow discord.
- Rabbi Yosef delivered Rabbi Goren's eulogy, reiterating their strong bond and reconciliation.
- Rabbi Shai Hirsh shared their story to highlight reconciliation among Torah scholars.
Rabbi Shai Hirsh recounted the intricate relationship between Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Rabbi Shlomo Goren during a lecture in memory of Rabbi Goren. The two served together as Chief Rabbis of Tel Aviv and later as Chief Rabbis of Israel. Their tenure was marked by a severe dispute over the "Brother and Sister" case, but they eventually reconciled and maintained a warm connection until Rabbi Goren's passing.
Initially, both rabbis served as Chief Rabbis of Tel Aviv-Yafo, with Rabbi Yosef beginning immediately and Rabbi Goren, then Chief Rabbi of the IDF, joining after a three-year delay due to his expertise in identifying and handling fallen soldiers. Upon his release from military service in 1971, Rabbi Goren joined Rabbi Yosef in Tel Aviv, and they collaborated to strengthen religious services in the city, focusing on kashrut, marriage, and mikvahs.
In 1973, they were elected Chief Rabbis of Israel, serving for ten years until 1983. During their term, a significant halachic dispute arose concerning the "Brother and Sister" case, where Rabbi Goren sought to permit the marriage of a young man and woman deemed unfit to marry. This ruling faced strong opposition from the Haredi community, particularly the Lithuanian sector, and strained the relationship between the two Chief Rabbis.
Rabbi Hirsh described a period of nearly two to three years of estrangement, followed by reconciliation. He shared a personal anecdote about Rabbi Yosef meeting Rabbi Goren's eldest grandson after Rabbi Goren's death. Rabbi Yosef told the boy that his grandfather was a great leader, that they loved each other deeply, and that "wicked people" had tried to sow discord between them, but they overcame it and lived in love and brotherhood.
Their enduring connection was also evident in extensive correspondence, including holiday greetings and exchanges on family simchas and Torah insights. Before his death, Rabbi Goren requested Rabbi Yosef to eulogize him. Rabbi Yosef fulfilled this request, attending the funeral in mourning attire and reiterating in his eulogy that they loved each other deeply and overcame the discord sown by "wicked people."
Rabbi Hirsh shared this story to illustrate that even severe disputes among Torah scholars need not lead to personal rifts, emphasizing the importance of unity despite differing paths within Judaism.