Rav Shabtai Levi, rosh mosdos of Halichos Moshe and rav of the Ramat Aharon neighborhood in Bnei Brak, has issued a letter addressing widespread dissatisfaction with Shas’s political representatives over the past four years, while calling for continued support of the party in light of concerns over the future of the Torah world and assurances that major decisions will be brought before the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah.

The letter comes amid growing frustration within portions of the Sephardic chareidi community over the conduct of Shas lawmakers during the outgoing Knesset term, particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing confrontation over the draft of yeshiva bochurim.

Rather than dismissing those grievances, Rav Levi acknowledges that serious complaints have been raised against the party’s representatives and indicates that many of them appear justified.

Nevertheless, he argues that political decisions affecting the Torah community must be guided by Torah considerations rather than by disappointment with individual politicians.

A central element of his position is what he describes as a change in the leadership of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, together with a reported commitment to convene the council before major political decisions are made.

Rav Levi presents that commitment as an important safeguard to ensure that the party’s future actions reflect the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel.

In his letter, Rav Levi recalls instructions he personally received from Rav Ovadiah Yosef zt”l, who urged him to work toward strengthening Shas’s representation in the Knesset.

According to Rav Levi, Rav Ovadiah’s request was rooted in concern for the preservation of the Torah world and the welfare of yeshiva bochurim.

That responsibility, he explains, remains particularly relevant under present circumstances, when the status of yeshiva students and the continued functioning of Torah institutions are subjects of intense political and legal controversy.

Rav Levi emphasizes the importance of maintaining political representation capable of defending the interests of the Torah community and supporting its educational institutions.

The letter places particular emphasis on the distinction between supporting the Torah community’s political representation and approving every decision made by its elected officials.

Rav Levi makes clear that his support does not erase the complaints accumulated during the past four years. Instead, he points to the reported commitment to consult the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah before major decisions as an important development in the party’s leadership.

He stresses that adherence to Daas Torah cannot be replaced by the independent political judgment of party officials, even when those officials believe the appropriate course of action is obvious.

The requirement to convene the Moetzes before major decisions, he explains, is intended to ensure that matters affecting the Torah community are decided under the guidance of its rabbinic leadership.

The letter comes amid a broader dispute within the Sephardic chareidi community over Shas’s handling of the military draft issue.

In a separate development Saturday night, reports emerged that Rav Moshe Tzadka, rosh yeshiva of Porat Yosef and one of the senior Sephardic roshei yeshiva, had signed a letter opposing a vote for Shas over the party’s reported willingness to support conscription of young chareidi men who are not studying in yeshiva.

The reports prompted an unusual intervention by senior members of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah, five of whom visited Rav Tzadka’s home in an effort to address his concerns.

Among those who participated were Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Rav Moshe Maya, Rav Avraham Salim, Rav Yehuda Cohen, and Rav Shmuel Betzalel.

According to subsequent reporting, Rav Tzadka clarified during the meeting that although he and his father had not participated in Knesset elections, this did not constitute opposition to Shas, and that those who do vote should support the party for the sake of the Torah world.

The conflicting reports and competing rabbinic positions illustrate the sensitivity surrounding Shas’s campaign, particularly as the question of military conscription continues to dominate discussions within the Sephardic yeshiva community.

Against that backdrop, Rav Levi’s letter reflects an effort to address dissatisfaction with the party’s elected representatives while emphasizing the role of the Moetzes Chachmei HaTorah in determining its future direction.

He concludes by calling upon the public to support Shas, strengthen the standing of Torah, and act in a manner that brings about a Kiddush Hashem.

{Matzav.com}