Rav David Lau, the chief rabbi of Israel, resembles his famous father, dresses like him, and now even holds the same high position. But the challenges he faces are vastly different, and in some ways more daunting than those of Rav Yisrael Meir.
“They had this innate trust that he would take care of them. This way, he was able to influence them spiritually as well. If you genuinely like people, if you care for their wellbeing, then they’ll accept your direction in other areas as well.”
He stops, pensive, and addresses what might be the biggest challenge of his rabbanus; using generations-old techniques of positivity, warmth, and graciousness in an era of mudslinging and skepticism. “None of them, not my father, not my grandfather, had to contend with this level of cynicism. But they taught that it’s possible to earn respect through your own actions and it’s the call of the hour, for me and every single rav in Klal Yisrael.”
My soft-spoken host speaks with resolve. “I accept that people can change — we can try to be more accessible, more pleasant, more understanding. But the Torah doesn’t change. If I have a mantra, it’s Ani maamin b’emunah sheleimah shezos haTorah lo tehei muchlefes.
“People change; the Torah never changes. It’s not happening.”
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