The Hungarian Senate has ratified the election of the Jewish banker Frankel, as a member of the Senate by representatives of the Jewish orthodox congregations of Hungary. In order to become a Senator, Frankel first had to be elected rabbi, since according to the Hungarian law, only a rabbi could represent the Jews in the Senate. A great opposition to Frankel’s election to the Senate arose as a result of this procedure, his opponents claiming that since he was not really performing the duties of a rabbi, he is not entitled to sit in the Senate.
However, the Hungarian Minister of Justice has now decided that the authorization as a rabbi which Frankel got from the Jewish community here is sufficient to entitle him to a seat in the Senate, even though he doesn’t actually perform the duties of a rabbi.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.