Rav Moshe Yosef Edri was installed as chief rabbi of Givatayim on Monday evening, taking up the post his father, Rav Pinchas Edri zt"l, held for 42 years.
The ceremony was attended by the Rishon LeZion and Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rav David Yosef, and Chief Rabbi Rav Kalman Meir Ber, along with city rabbis, dayanim, Givatayim Mayor Ran Kunik, public figures and many residents.
The installation ends a long period in which Givatayim had no permanent chief rabbi, following the passing of the city’s previous rabbis, Rav Yosef Glicksberg zt"l and Rav Pinchas Edri zt"l.
Rav David Yosef said the appointment was a significant occasion for the entire city. He noted that Rav Edri brings with him a distinguished lineage of Torah and rabbinic leadership, along with the ability to strengthen religious services and deepen Torah life in Givatayim.
Rav Ber praised Rav Edri as not only a talmid chacham and author, but someone who knows how to relate to every person. He said a city rabbi must open his heart to every Jew regardless of their political views, and work to bring all parts of the public together.
Mayor Kunik spoke of Rav Edri’s deep connection to the city where he grew up, and the respect he enjoys among residents of all backgrounds, religious, traditional and secular alike.
Rav Edri was elected in March with the support of 31 of the 36 members of the electoral body, in a race in which 11 rabbis competed. His candidacy was backed by Shas. He is certified by the Chief Rabbinate as both a city rabbi and a dayan, and previously headed the Rav Pe’alim kollel for training rabbis and dayanim. He is the author of the halachic series “Imrei Deah” on the Shulchan Aruch, and a brother-in-law of Hadera Chief Rabbi Rav Yisrael Meir Biton.
