Yalkut – essays on the question of the chief rabbinate of Israel – fascinating anthology of the controversy about the elections for the chief rabbi of Israel between Rabbi Herzog and Rabbi Charlop. Jerusalem, 10 Kislev, 1936. Important document from the chronicles of Religious Zionism.
Elections for the chief rabbinate were held in 1936. The candidates were: Rabbi Ya’akov Moshe Charlop, a tremendous gaon who succeeded Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook as rosh yeshivah of Mercaz HaRav, and Rabbi Doctor Yitzchak Isaac HaLevi Herzog. The elections were emotional, and the close associates of the above rabbis did everything in their power so that their rabbi would be elected to serve as chief rabbi of Israel. Paradoxically, the Chazon Ish supported Rabbi Herzog specifically, the less Chareidi of the candidates, and the lesser “tzaddik.” There are those who attributed this to the fact that the Chazon Ish preferred that the less suitable person fill the position, in order to lessen the position’s prominence.
In the compilation of articles before us, words from rabbinic leaders supporting Rabbi Charlop’s candidacy are cited. Included among them is Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky, who was considered the rabbinic leader of the generation. The anthology cites instruction in his name to vote for Rabbi Charlop. However, there is no signed letter, so it is possible that this is false. There are also essays, short songs, and articles about the election.
[12] pp. 30 cm. Fine condition.