The Rabbinical Council of Europe and its presidium convened for a special meeting in Paris, France, to address the central issues and challenges facing rabbis across Europe. The session was opened by the host and chairman of the gathering, Rabbi Yitzchak Guggenheim, Chief Rabbi of Paris and a member of the Rabbinical Centre of Europe. He emphasized the heavy responsibility resting upon rabbis today to uphold the principles of halachah passed down through generations and to bring European Jews closer to Jewish tradition.

 

The guest of honor at the session was Israel’s Chief Rabbi, the esteemed Rabbi Kalman Bar, who engaged in extended discussions with the rabbis about the numerous challenges facing community rabbis in Europe. Among the topics discussed was increased supervision of marriage registration in Europe, to ensure that the marriages are conducted solely through authorized rabbis, to prevent any breaches in this sacred matter.

 

The Chief Rabbi expressed admiration for the extensive work being done by the RCE and its leaders. He offered his support and pledged collaboration to strengthen the walls of religion and halachah throughout Europe.

 

The rabbis held in-depth discussions on ways to reinforce Jewish education and prevent any governmental interference in curriculum content. Alarming assimilation statistics from European countries were presented, and strategies to combat this trend were considered. The Council passed several resolutions aimed at fortifying religious and educational life within European Jewish communities.

 

Key decisions included the establishment of a special marriage registration database for Europe, supervision and inspection of mikvaot, safeguarding Jewish education, oversight of religious texts and items (Sta”m), and the creation of a rabbinical committee to resolve disputes within Jewish communities.

 

During the session, Rabbi Arie Goldberg, RCE CEO, along with Vice President Rabbi Yosef Bainaker and Rabbi Avraham Aba Turetzky, Secretary of the Rabbinical Council of Europe, provided a summary of the RCE’s expanding activities. These included assisting in the establishment of mikvaot; organizing halachic and professional seminars and courses; developing age-appropriate Jewish educational programs; distributing Chanukah menorahs, Purim gift packages, and Passover matzah to Jews across Europe; providing kosher poultry and meat at affordable prices; establishing charitable centers for lending medical equipment, and bringing youth groups on trips to Israel.

 

The rabbis expressed special gratitude and appreciation to Rabbi Menachem Margolin, Chairman of the RCE, who works tirelessly to expand the center’s activities for the benefit of rabbis and community leaders throughout Europe.

 

The Chief Rabbi of Israel and members of the Presidium and Council also visited the impressive Consistoire building in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. The visiting delegation was headed by the president of the central organization in Paris, Mr. Joel Mergui. They met with local Jews, and Rabbi Kalman Bar delivered words of encouragement, noting that since the beginning of the Iron Swords War, he has sensed an increased awakening toward Judaism and mitzvot. He urged community members to attend synagogue services and Torah classes.

 

The visit concluded with a tour of the prestigious Sinai educational institutions, led by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Pevzner, which serve thousands of students.

 

Parents and students gathered to meet Israel’s Chief Rabbi and the European rabbis and to hear messages about the approaching Pesach holiday. The Chief Rabbi emphasized the importance of the commandment “Vehigadeta lebincha – And you shall tell your child,” and urged parents to invest in their children’s education and to draw them closer to Hashem.