The Knesset Interior Committee found Thursday that Rabbi David Grossman, the Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi of Migdal Haemek, was misrepresented by the media when it reported that he had issued a ban on women attending funerals together with men.
Grossman, who appeared before the committee, was cleared unanimously and committee members expressed regret for the damage done his reputation. “If there is anyone capable of building bridges between the religious and secular communities it is Rabbi Grossman who acts to foster unity and mutual respect,” the committee said in a statement.
Grossman, often referred to as the “disco rabbi,” is known for his work with prisoners and disadvantaged youths. He explained to the committee that, “The matter of women and men attending funerals separately or in one group is entirely up to the family and is not covered by halacha.” He added, “I gave no ruling and I made no comment on the issue.”
The media reported that Grossman and Sephardic Chief Rabbi Avraham Menahem issued the ban because they associated the presence of women at funerals with the recent abnormally high death rate in the town. Grossman denied it at the outset. There has been no comment from Menahem.
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