Rabbis Yosef, Amar reconcile
After not speaking to each other for several months following Chief Rabbinate election dispute, Shas' spiritual leader and former Sephardic chief rabbi make up on eve of Yom Kippur
The two, who had a rabbi-student relationship, did not speak to each other for several months after Shas prevented Amar from seeking another term as chief rabbi.
Rabbi Yosef's associates viewed the conduct of Rabbi Amar, who he has taken under his care, as treason and ingratitude towards his rabbi, and renounced him from the haredi-Sephardic camp of Shas, after he had already been marked as its future leader – Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's successor.
'Chief rabbi forgiven and pardoned'
In recent weeks, once the Chief Rabbinate elections were over and in light of Rabbi Yosef's serious medical condition, Rabbi Amar made several attempts to end the conflict, but was rejected every time.
A particularly embarrassing moment was recorded when he arrived to visit Rabbi Yosef at the hospital and was reprimanded by him from his sickbed.
The mission was accomplished Thursday evening in an apology from Rabbi Amar, which was accepted by Rabbi Yosef. The Shas leader announced that the outgoing chief rabbi would be forgiven and pardoned for his conduct in the past few months
and said he was ready to "turn over a new leaf" in his relationship with him.
The "rabbinical summit" was also attended by Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri and Shas Faction Chairman Ariel Atias, who also reconciled with Rabbi Amar and shook his hand.
Rabbi Yosef clarified that all activities carried out by the party's leaders – including those which offended Amar – were ordered by him.
