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Rabbi Dr. Sharon Shalom, Founder and Director of Ono’s International Center for the Study of Ethiopian Jewry recently published an article in the Maariv newspaper entitled, “Learning from the Ethiopian Model.” The article critiques the “Rabbis Law” proposed this week which would shift the appointment of rabbis from town and city councils to the national Ministry of Religious Affairs. It was held up by former members of the Israeli emergency government and now MKs from the Likud party.
Rabbi Shalom believes that the approach espoused by the law cares less about the spiritual needs of the Israeli population and more about the needs of the religious establishment.
He begins by quoting Israeli philosopher Yeshayahu Leibowitz who claimed that religion and morality are not compatible. Rabbi Shalom had difficulty accepting this assertion but recent events have led him to rethink the issue. In particular, the “Rabbis Law” appears to be motivated by political interests rather than Judaism.
Rabbi Shalom contrasted the method of appointing rabbis in this law with the way that Keisim (traditional Ethiopian Jewish spiritual leaders) were appointed in villages in Ethiopia, which was a bottom-up process in which the community accepts the Keis. Shalom quoted Keis Mentosonot Eli Wanda who described a three-step appointment process. The first step involves the Keis-in-training receiving recognition from his personal Keis mentor. In the second step, the Keis receives approval from the Jewish priest. The third step, after the new Keis serves his village for one year, the residents accept him as their spiritual leader. In other words, the Keis is appointed by the very people he serves and not by a religious establishment.
Rabbi Shalom believes that the method for appointing Keisim in Ethiopia is an example of religion and morality working hand in hand, and could serve as a model for appointing rabbis in Israel.
