Chief Rabbi Kalman Bar Defends Rabbi David Yosef's Public Remarks on Sabbath Observance

Following a judicial decision concerning Rabbi David Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Bar, sent a detailed letter to retired judge Asher Kola, who also serves as the Commissioner for Public Complaints against Judges. The letter was written in response to Judge Kola's ruling regarding statements made by Rabbi Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of the Great Rabbinical Court and the First to Zion.

In his letter, Rabbi Bar strongly defended Rabbi Yosef, asserting that his remarks did not exceed his official duties but rather fulfilled the public and historical mission of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Rabbi Bar emphasized that protecting the public status of the Sabbath is not only a right but a fundamental obligation of the Chief Rabbi, essential to preserving the Jewish character of the state.

Rabbi Bar highlighted that throughout history, the Chief Rabbinate has consistently safeguarded the sanctity of the Sabbath in public life, citing prominent rabbis such as Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, Rabbi Herzog, Rabbi Uziel, and Rabbi Unterman, who all underscored this uncompromising duty. He further clarified that the issue at hand was not a private matter but a public concern involving judicial decisions with broad implications for Israel's national identity.

Thus, Rabbi Bar concluded that Rabbi Yosef's public statements were a direct fulfillment of his responsibility and mission as Chief Rabbi of Israel, reinforcing the Chief Rabbinate's ongoing role in upholding the Sabbath's sanctity in the public sphere.