Eida tells Rav Kopshitz it is time to pick a side

I always wondered about Rav Nosson Kopshitz in bet Shemesh. He is rav of the Kiryah Hacharedis and is officially associated with the Eida Hachareidis. Yet, despite his association with the Eida and their position of not getting involved in politics and governance in Israel as they reject the State of Israel and all its trappings, Rav Kopshitz is also the leading rav among the rabbinic leadership for the local faction of UTJ. His name is on their signs and proclamations, and if you read the local press you'll see him directing UTj in how to act visa vis local government issues. This was always a conundrum to me, and I simply assumed I did not understand the nuance of his position within the Eida or within UTJ.

Kikar is reporting that the Eida has had enough of Rav Kopshitz's shenanigans, as he recently participated in a local UTJ prayer service regarding the "Bar Ilan" situation, and wants him to finally pick a side. If he is part of the Eida, he cant lead UTJ. If he is going to continue being involved with UTJ, he wont be able to continue representing the Eida.

That kind of clears it up. There is no nuance other than Rav Kopshitz trying to play both ends of the court. He probably is really Eida (his whole family is, so that's is really where he comes from), but he is also somewhat practical and pragmatic, and a bit of a "strange bird" who does things his own way, so he tries to improve the local haredi community with his leadership and direction.

If the Eida is serious Rav Kopshitz will have to finally pick a side. They are warnign him that he has to decide which side he is on and this cannot continue.

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