To the Chief Rabbinate of Israel:

We, the undersigned, take strong exception to the Chief Rabbinate’s summoning of Rabbi Shlomo Riskin to their offices concerning his re-appointment as Chief Rabbi of Efrat.

Rabbi Riskin is one of the great Modern Orthodox rabbis of our generation. He has inspired hundreds of rabbis in America and around the world to follow in his footsteps, to bring a vibrant Orthodoxy to the masses. He is a mentor, a role model who is beloved. Few rabbis in recent history come close to accomplishing what he has achieved. He deserves our deepest respect and veneration.

We call upon the Chief Rabbinate to withdraw its highly offensive demands.

Rabbi Avi Weiss   Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld

(Responses are being collected by Rabbi Weiss' office)