President Herzog makes remarks in address at Swearing-In Ceremony for 28 new rabbinical judges Chief Rabbis respond positively to the President’s call.
Attached photo credit: Amos Ben-Gershom (GPO)
President Herzog: “I call upon you to take action, and I propose that you do everything in your power—first and foremost, to declare a general day of fasting and prayer for our brothers and sisters held by murderers.”
The Chief Rabbis of Israel have responded affirmatively to the President’s appeal. Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef stated: “We accept the President’s request and will announce this in the coming days.”
President Isaac Herzog delivered remarks today, Tuesday, at the swearing-in ceremony of 28 newly appointed rabbinical judges.
Key excerpts from the President’s address:
“New halachic questions are arising—from the reality of war, from service in the IDF, questions about Shabbat and holidays in enemy territory, about kashrut, about morality in combat, about prayers and blessings, and tragically also about the purity and dignity of the deceased—including posthumous sperm retrieval, the redemption of captives, and the identification of bodies. The unrelenting stream of questions flowing from the battlefield into our study halls demands creativity, depth, courage, and daring from our halachic decisors—to translate the richness of Jewish law into something profoundly relevant to the individual and to society in our Jewish and democratic state.”
“This responsibility for the State of Israel—and this sacred halachic task now rests upon your shoulders, dear rabbis and judges. The title you receive today is not merely a certificate—and it must certainly not be seen as a political statement. It must stand, in the eyes of the public, as a supreme commitment to delivering justice and halachic rulings at the highest and purest standard—and, of course, without delay of justice, which tragically has become so routine that the public can no longer bear it.”
“In this sense, you now hold the baton in a long relay: to take the Torah, given to Moses, passed to Joshua, the elders, and sages of each generation, and make it relevant to our lives today—relevant to every person in our nation. This is a lofty, unique, and critical mission; and your connection with all segments of the people—men and especially women—whose voices and needs are often underrepresented in these institutions, must be even more attentive. This is not just at the heart of your task; it is the only path to success.”
“I wish to close with a prayer and a cry for our abducted brothers and sisters. These are turbulent, challenging, and sensitive days. I repeat my call to act tirelessly. Intense negotiations have taken place in the past 24 hours. We must use every tool, every measure, and act with creativity, responsibility, and commitment to bring them home—urgently. Every last one of them.”
“To you, esteemed rabbis and judges—as important public leaders—you have a vital role in this effort: to stir the hearts of the people and the decision-makers, and to cry out to the Heavens on behalf of the hostages. I call upon you to mobilize and do all in your power—first and foremost, to declare a general day of fasting and prayer for our brothers and sisters held captive by murderers. May it be the will of God that such actions also help pave the way for the necessary diplomatic efforts, and that our brothers and sisters be brought swiftly from anguish to relief, from darkness to light, and from captivity to redemption.”
“Together with you, I pray for the healing of the wounded in body and soul; for the safety and success of the soldiers of the IDF; for comfort and solace for the bereaved families; and for the return of the displaced families and communities to their beloved homeland, in peace and security. May you succeed in your sacred mission, and may God’s blessing be upon you.”
Chief Rabbi David Yosef, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, responded to the President: “We accept the President’s request. In the coming days, we will announce a day of prayer and outcry on behalf of all our brothers and sisters in distress and captivity, and for our soldiers on the battlefield. May it be, with God’s help, that before we even carry this out, we will already hear and receive good news.”