Rabbi Asher Zagdoun Officially Appointed First Chief Rabbi of Harish

Last week, Harish marked a historic moment with the official appointment of Rabbi Asher Zagdoun as the city's first chief rabbi. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of residents, rabbis, public figures, and dignitaries, including Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of Israel (Rishon LeZion), Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, Minister of Justice and Religious Services Yariv Levin, and Harish Mayor Yochai Fargi. The event took place in the city's sports hall and was led by educator Rabbi Yosef Amar.

During the ceremony, Rabbi Zagdoun was formally crowned and dressed in the traditional rabbinic robe, symbolizing his new role and public responsibility. Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of appointing high-caliber rabbis who serve as halachic authorities and spiritual leaders for diverse communities. He praised Rabbi Zagdoun as a unifying figure capable of embracing Harish's varied population and highlighted the need for accessible halachic guidance and warm community engagement, continuing the legacy of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.

Rabbi Reuven Elbaz praised Harish for gaining a learned and beloved rabbi who fosters closeness to Torah. In his acceptance speech, Rabbi Zagdoun quoted the sages, stating, "I do not give you rulership, but servitude," underscoring that the rabbinate's role is to assist and connect with the public through love and dedication to Jewish tradition. Shas party chairman in Harish, Shlomo Peretz, conveyed blessings from Shas leader Aryeh Deri, who was unable to attend.