Baltimore, MD - Nov. 21, 2016 - On Motzai Shabbos, Nov. 19, at Bnai Jacob Shaarei Zion, the Baltimore community was privileged to hear from Rav David Lau, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel.  Rav Lau presented as "The State of the Jewish People: A Conversation with the Chief Rabbi”. The forum was moderated by Rabbi Moshe Hauer in a “Q&A” format to a capacity crowd, with questions submitted by the community in advance.

Rav Lau began his response to the first question by clarifying the three possible identities for the State of Israel, a country of Jews, a Jewish country, and also a country made up of all of the citizens of Israel.  Rav Lau saw the reconciling of these often conflicting constructs as one of the most fundamental challenges of his position.  That is to maintaining the Jewishness of the country in spirit and Halacha.

Rav Lau mentioned how he travels regularly to the Kibbutzim and small towns in an effort to connect to all Jews.  He lamented that many are far from observance.  However, he was gratified that when he has been able to connect on a personal level, the mutual respect and love emerges.  It was evident that Rav Lau is a paragon of Ahavas Yisrael and wants to lessen the emotional distance between Rabbanim and the common person through the expression of humanity.

Throughout his responses, Rav Lau mentioned how he has tried hard to improve the operations and departments which make up the Rabbanut, through new rules and procedures.  He addressed Rabbi Hauer's questions relating to some of the “hot button” issues today.  These included the Kotel controversy, the Rabbanut’s recognition of conversions overseen by American Rabbis, and the state of Kashrus in Israel.  He encouraged the audience to look beyond the press reports which often overlook important features of what actually transpires.  For example, he framed the Kotel controversy as not being a religious question but one of common courtesy.

Rav Lau concluded the evening with an expression of optimism because Eretz Yisrael is a county of constant miracles.  He cited his father Rav Yisrael Meir Lau as a case study of someone who came to the country as an orphan with nothing.  Rav Y.M. Lau was somehow able to become the Chief Rabbi of Israel himself in addition to other important posts and to raise a family of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He mentioned the wife of Ovadia who prayed and was granted open miracles, but emphasized that many of today’s miracles are hidden.

Rav Lau’s passion for what he does was palpable.  It is evident that he believes in what he does and has a vision for an optimistic future with the Siyata Shemaya for which he prays for daily.