Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv
Rabbi Yosef Shalom ElyashivIsrael news photo: courtesy of Beit HaShalom

Justice Minister Yakov Ne'eman and Knesset Speaker MK Reuven Rivlin (Likud) visited the Shiva of Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv and expressed his condolences over the passing of the Torah sage.

During the condolence visit Sunday, Rivlin said, “The Jewish people have lost one of the great Torah leaders of the last century, who influenced the history of [the state of] Israel and its relations with the hareidi public.”

He added, “Rabbi Elyashiv’s father-in-law, Rabbi Aryeh Levine of blessed memory, presided over my wedding. I knew the family of Rabbi Aryeh Levin. I used to visit the home of Rabbi Elyashiv and Rabbi Avraham Ravitz of blessed memory. I remember that he always expressed great interest and asked questions, not only about political issues but also about issues on the agenda of the general Israeli public.”

Rivlin added that he consulted with Rav Elyashiv when the original Tal Law, regulating hareidi enlistment to the IDF, was being legislated. "His approach was one that strove to arrive at agreements and to solve the matter amicably," Rivlin said. "He kept on saying: "haskama, haskama, haskama" [agreement, agreement, agreement – ed.]."