On the unity of Jews in Russia and Ukraine
Chief Rabbi of Russia and Chief Rabbi of Odesa. Photo: Spletnik
In Israel, the children of two highly influential figures in Russian and Ukrainian Judaism were united in marriage – the daughter of Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and the son of Odesa and Southern Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi Avraham Wolff.
Well, they got married – so be it. One can only wish the young couple happiness. The event seems distant from Orthodox matters. So why are we writing about it?
Because this wedding took place during a war. And these rabbis maintain close relations with the presidents of their respective countries. Wolff himself has regularly appeared at the Office of the President (OP), where he has lit menorahs with Zelensky and conducted other Jewish ceremonies.
Yet, none of the media outlets are screaming about "betrayal", the possibility of espionage, or anything of the sort. Everyone remains silent.
Now, can we imagine such silence if it were suddenly revealed that the relatives of the top hierarchs of the ROC and UOC had held a similar event? Hardly.
Is there something wrong with the attitude toward Orthodox Christians? Or is everything just "right" when it comes to Jews?
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