On things French (and Hasidic)

Ha! And you thought the recent Obama v. Clinton rivalry was hot, that the upcoming Obama v. McCain tussle will be rough and ready. Pshaw! You’ve not been paying attention if you think these political struggles are the most virulent around. Try the recent contest for Chief Rabbi of France. Now there, mon Dieu, is a struggle of epic proportions fought in hit-below-the-belt ferocity. I grant that it doesn’t sink quite to the level of the recent Zimbabwe debacle, but still…

The incumbent was Joseph Sitruk a 63-year-old Sephardic rabbi originally from Tunisia known for his common touch. The challenger was 56-year-old Gilles Bernheim, an Ashkenazi philosopher from Alsace who is the rabbi of Paris’ largest synagogue. As in Israel, Sephardi Jews had felt under appreciated and sought a greater voice in communal affairs. This was achieved in 1987 when Sitruk was elected Chief Rabbi. Bernheim challenged his reelection in 1994 (the post is for seven years) and lost in the usual “Ho-hum-the-communal-leaders-are-choosing-another-figure-head” election. Now, however, the gloves are off. Blame the internet. Martine Cohen, an expert on French Judaism at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris does. She argues that “This is the first time such an election draws so much attention…The new technology allows many more people to ‘connect’ and to have rumors spread on the Internet.” Fortunately that sort of thing never happens here.

Someone calling himself “an indignant rabbi” posted what was purported to be Bernheim’s candidacy announcement in which he appeared to be making disparaging remarks about Sitruk. But it was a fake, a French swiftboating. Another charge floating around was that Bernheim was spending too much time with Catholics. In France this is hard not to do. But then the accusatory piece went further, seeming to justify the crucifixion of Jesus. Gevalt. Catholics took note and were displeased. The election, which took place on June 22, is not a democratic one. Three hundred rabbis and local communal leaders from around the country meet in conclave. It’s not quite a white smoke affair, but it’s along the same lines. (So that the suspense won’t kill you, Bernheim won the election 184 to 99.)

Rabbinical infighting takes place in America, too, but in a localized fashion. In Brooklyn, amongst the Hassidim there are two on-going disputes. In the Satmir community two brothers vied to succeed their father as grand rabbi and even brought their conflicting claims to the American legal system. The Chabad movement is split over whether the late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson is or is not the messiah. The group that controls the basement synagogue of the iconic 770 Eastern Parkway headquarters, argues that he is, the group that controls the upper floors vehemently argues that he’s not.

Last week French President Nicolas Sarkozy was in Israel. He was greeted warmly as a friend by all factions. In his speech before the Knesset he said all the right things:

Israel and France share deep friendship that has stood test of time
French ties with the Jewish people has enriched France’s culture
French people will always stand by Israel when it is threatened
France is committed to the struggle against terrorism
France will stop anyone who calls for Israel’s destruction
Israel is not alone in its battle against Iran’s nuclear ambitions
France is ready to aid in efforts to free abducted IDF soldiers

On some other points, there can be disagreement:

Palestinians have a right to a viable state of their own
Peace is not possible without the immediate end to Israeli settlement activity
There can be no peace without a solution to problem of Palestinian refugees
Jerusalem must be recognized as the capital of two states as a condition for peace

Jerusalem as a dual capital is a suggestion whose practicality I question. The Palestinian refugee problem is a thorn. These poor people have been living in a virtual no-man’s land ever since 1948. Is it Israel’s fault that their Arab brethren didn’t absorb them the way Jewish refugees were absorbed into Israel? Whether they left the territory that became Israel voluntarily or by force, it is impossible to repatriate them without Israel losing the essential nature of its mission. Arabs claim a right of return. It’s not going to happen in any but a symbolic way. That Sarkozy chose to bring this issue up is unfortunate, but placed within the context of his overall message, that France stands with Israel, Zionists can be reassured of France’s position.