Sephardic Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef called on Jews in Israel and abroad to tighten up their observance of “commandments between man and his fellow man” which, the rabbi said, were more important than “commandments between man and God.” Rabbi Yosef mentioned particularly honesty in business and public life, slander and libel, and charity and social help for the needy as vital areas.
These are great days, Rabbi Yosef wrote in his New Year’s message. Jews are gathering in Israel from all over the world–and it is up to their spiritual leaders to ensure that their religious and moral standards are raised and maintained. Rabbi Yosef also urged continued action to stir world public opinion on the plight of Jews in Arab lands.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.