Chief Rabbinate Council Member Reflects on Life, Faith, and Interfaith Dialogue
Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weiss, a member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, shared reflections on his life journey in a recent interview, spanning his childhood in Manchester, his studies at Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva after the Six-Day War, and his 32 years as a rabbi in Kfar HaRoeh. He discussed the complexities of kashrut (dietary laws), criticized the kashrut reform initiated by former minister Matan Kahana, outlined the boundaries of interfaith dialogue, and called on the IDF to ensure every soldier can observe Jewish law.
Weiss, who chairs the Chief Rabbinate's Import Committee, emphasized the meticulous nature of overseeing imported food products, warning that identical-looking items may not share the same kashrut certification due to differing production methods. He noted that many products are denied certification. The committee is also re-examining the 'Chalav Yisrael' (Jewish-supervised milk) issue in light of modern industrial and medical advancements, viewing it as an educational tool to shape identity. He also heads the committee on foreign slaughter, stressing the need for extensive oversight in the vast meat market, while assuring the public of the high standards of meat kashrut within Israel, which he believes surpasses most foreign certifications.
He reiterated his strong opposition to the kashrut reform, arguing it "caused destruction" by decentralizing authority and turning kashrut into a business. Weiss believes Kahana had good intentions but lacked sufficient understanding of the subject. He sees the recent legislative move to return authority to local rabbis as a significant positive step. As chairman of the Rabbinate's interfaith committee, Weiss engages with the Vatican and the Anglican Church on shared societal issues, including the dangers of artificial intelligence, which he likened to the Golem of Prague legend. He advocates for respectful dialogue but insists on strict Halakhic boundaries, prohibiting joint prayers and warning against shared recitation of Psalms due to differing interpretations.
Weiss also stressed the importance of national responsibility alongside Halakhic commitment, particularly concerning IDF service. He believes the state must ensure soldiers can observe Jewish law without fear. Conversely, he asserted that Torah study is paramount for the nation's survival in Israel. He recounted personal experiences, including a visit to Majdal Shams after a rocket attack and intervening in a case where prayer services near a mikveh infringed on women's privacy, demonstrating his commitment to upholding Jewish law while respecting others.
Born and raised in Manchester, Weiss's family instilled in him a love for the Land of Israel. He moved to Israel after his bar mitzvah, studying at Mercaz HaRav, where he felt a special connection to Rabbi Tzvi Yehudah Kook. His move to Kfar HaRoeh as rabbi was almost serendipitous, leading to a 32-year tenure. He served under the influence of prominent Religious Zionist rabbis and extended his rabbinic outreach to secular communities. Despite current challenges in Israel, Weiss expresses deep faith and gratitude, viewing the present era as the best for the Jewish people since the destruction of the Second Temple. His overarching life lesson is simple: "Don't quarrel. Always give way."
