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?
Read also
Lavra as a backdrop for a name-day celebration
Any service held by Epifaniy in the Lavra is simply an off-site event organized on the principle of “everything I need, I bring with me,” where the Lavra itself is used as a backdrop, a rented venue.
What is the difference between Dumenko and "Patriarch" Nikodym?
The difference between Dumenko and Kobzar is not in having or not having apostolic succession or spiritual gifts, nor in the depth of their theological knowledge.
Admit you're a Moscow priest – get a deferment
If you declare yourself a "Moscow priest," you are (according to the authorities' assurances) classified as "critically important infrastructure" and given a deferment. If you don't admit it, they force you to renounce your priesthood and go to war.
Why, by inciting hatred against UOC, you are inciting it against Christianity
UOC representatives have long warned the “patriotic confessions” that stirring up hatred toward the Church’s faithful would, in the end, turn against those who lit the fire.
Ukrainian rule of law: Will OCU clerics be jailed only for murder?
Courts hand down sentences to UOC clergy on absurd charges, while the state will not so much as wag a finger at OCU members for open incitement to violence.
Why the Lavra’s patronal feast passed in silence
Since the Lavra was handed over to the OCU, it comes to life only when Serhiy Dumenko is on site.