Halperin affair: Divrei Chaim Congregation was thrown from Kedasia - and returned • letters

London rabbis are recently working energetically to form the list of objective judges, who will decide the case dubbed "The case of Rabbi Chaim Halperin", but that does not reassure the parties - who continue to fight vigorously.


During the past two days a strong debate is taking place between the Kedasia rabbanim - Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations in London - on the case. Congregation of Rabbi Chaim Halpern is trying to crack the million dollar question: Is the rabbis Union, which until recently sat on a bench with Reb Chaim Halpern - until he left his position, supporting him? Are they against him? Or do they prefer to remain silent and not express their opinions?

In this case it appears that all of the answers are correct.


In a letter published by Kedasia in the orthodox streets two weeks ago, the rabbis expressed their firm support of Reb Chaim Halperin: "We received an order from Hgr"a Padwa, Av Beit Din of London, to inform the public that on the advice of Gedolei Yisrael, we are in the process of assembling a special court to decide claims affecting one of our rabbis. We express the hope that no action shall be made or, alternatively, that statement will not be given until the verdict is obtained.

Another letter which expressed support for Reb Halperin and his community was published during Chanuka. A long list of rabbis, including those belonging to Kedasia - signed it. "We reveal our opinion of Daas Torah, without clarification and justice according to the Torah, Reb Chaim Halpern shlit"a Community Rabbi of Divrei Chaim will continue his duty - to instruct according to the laws of the Torah without any obstacle.

Kedasia's zigzag

But this is where the saga only began.


Sources a Kedasia 'did not like' - to say the least - the broad support given to Rabbi Halperin, and began to exert pressure on the Av Beit Din of London, Hgr"a Padwa, to publish a letter – which will declare that there is no connection between the community union and the community of Divrei Chaim. Some of them even threatened to leave the Union and destroy it.


The pressure worked, and the Community Union surrendered: Following the end of the fast of the 10th of Tevet, the Secretary of Kedasia printed a short letter in which he writes: "Beit Midrash Divrei Chaim is no longer branched to the union communities.

The letter was a severe blow for the Halperin family who are struggling for their good name. Beyond that, it caused a big storm in the Haredi Street and, of course, gave reason for opponents of Reb Chaim Halperin to celebrate.


Yesterday (Monday), Hgr"a Padwa came to the home of Hgr"a Halpein, father of Reb Chaim in Golders Green. According to sources, the meeting lasted a few minutes, but rumors of its existence spread quickly among those involved. Many curious people, including supporters and opponents of Rabbi Halperin, gathered outside the home of Hgr"a, and argued, police were called to the place and dispersed the crowd.


But the drama in the house was much larger. Hgr"a Padwa signed his handwritten letter, which stated that the letter published on Motzei 10th Tevet – was written due to a misunderstanding, Beit Midrash Divrei Chaim is branched with the Association of Orthodox Jewish Congregations," he clarified.


How will the case end? Time will tell.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!