Report: Rabbi Yaakov Shapira expected to run in the elections for the Rabbinate of Jerusalem

October 1, 2014   

ראש ישיבת 'מרכז הרב', הרב יעקב שפירא, צפוי להגיש מועמדותו לתפקיד הרב הראשי בירושלים. כך מדווח אתר 'כיפה'. לפי הדיווח באתר, מועמדותו של הרב שפירא, מגיעה על רקע האפשרות שהרב אריה שטרן, מועמד הציונות הדתית לתפקיד לא יוכל להתמודד, מכיוון שהתגלו כשלים בהליך הסמכתו. Rabbi Shapira's candidacy for the position now depends on whether Rabbi Stern will ultimately run. Unlike Rabbi Stern, whose appointment the Haredi are staunchly opposed to, Rabbi Shapira is expected to enjoy the support of the Haredi and religious Zionism. Despite being identified with the Haredi movement, he is close to Haredi circles, and was particularly beloved by the late Rabbi Yosef. The elections for the Jerusalem Rabbinate are scheduled to take place in about three weeks - on Tishrei 27. The High Court is scheduled to decide whether the elections will be held on the scheduled date.  The Kippa website was unable to obtain a response from Rabbi Shapira.