Yochanan Sofer - Opinion and Politics

Opinion and Politics

Sofer is considered a leading halakhic authority with enormous influence on the Orthodox Jewish community, as well as an expert in Israeli politics and security issues. He is often called upon to voice his opinion on global Jewish issues.

The Rebbe was appointed to the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel by Rabbi Yisrael Alter (the Beis Yisrael) when he was only 38 years of age. At the time, the protocol was amended to allow this new member, as the original protocol allowed only rabbis above the age of 40 to join. He was also appointed a member of the administration of Mifal HaShas by that organization's founder, Rabbi Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, the Klausenberger Rebbe.

Before 1948, the rabbinical authorities of the Sofer family and their disciples strongly opposed the various forms of modern Zionism. They did not approve of the formation of a Jewish state nor the use of Hebrew for mundane purposes. Their firm belief was that the Mashiach must arrive prior to the liberation of the Holy Land and that the Hebrew language was designated solely for the use of Torah study and prayer. Once Israel declared independence in 1948, their approach remained the same, though the circumstances changed.

Sofer took on the approach to Zionism similar to that of his rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Rokeach of Belz. This ideology allows for dialogue with the Zionist leaders and for representation in the Knesset, though it does not give mandate or any halachic justification to the legislative system of the State of Israel as it does not conform to the laws of the Torah. Sofer actively advocates for the sanctity of the Shabbat, the preservation of Torah Judaism and the purity of the Holy Land.

Sofer's view of the Arab-Israeli conflict maintains that as a matter of Jewish law, any territorial concession on Israel's part would endanger the lives of all the Jews in the Land of Israel and is therefore forbidden. He also insists that even discussing the possibility of such concessions shows weakness and would encourage Arab attacks, and thus endanger Jewish lives. He has been quoted as saying to Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Silvan Shalom: "I am not prepared to cede even one grain of the Land of Israel to the Arabs". Sofer was also opposed to the unilateral pullout from Gaza and was quoted as saying, "Whoever leads to the transfer (of Jews from parts of Israel) is destroying the country".

Despite some ideological differences, Sofer is respected by leaders of Orthodox Jewish communities, including Satmar, Edah HaChareidis, Litvish, Shas – Sefardim, Chabad-Lubavitch, and the National Religious Party / National Union.

Sofer is known to have a strong relationship with Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (former Chief Rabbi of Israel and spiritual leader of Shas) and with Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, spiritual leader of Degel HaTorah.

Whilst Sofer is a presiding member of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudath Israel, the Erlau community is part of the Shlomei Emunim faction within the United Torah Judaism political party representing all Agudath Israel factions. Shlomei Emunim is represented in the Knesset by Rabbi Meir Porush.

Upon the initiative of the Rebbe, the Erlau community took an active part in the launch of the HaMevaser newspaper in the late 2008, which is owned and run by Rabbi Meir Porush.