The Jewish Press joins K’lal Yisrael in mourning the death of Rabbi Menachem Porush, staunch advocate for Jewish religious causes in Israel, longtime member of the Knesset elected from a variety of Torah party and coalition lists, and weekly Jewish Press columnist for nearly four decades.

In addition to his roles as a prominent Israeli politician and elected official, he was a respected journalist, captivating speaker, social welfare champion and prominent real-estate developer and hotelier.

For many years Rabbi Porush served as a key link between the State of Israel and the religious leadership of the Israeli haredi community, some of whom were uncomfortable with the notion of a Jewish state prior to the advent of the Messianic Age. As a highly respected and effective public figure, Rabbi Porush was able to facilitate governmental accommodation of that community’s special needs and, more fundamentally, the preservation, generally, of Jewish religious tradition in an emerging democratic state.

Of Rabbi Porush it can be said that his work in decades-long service was a seminal contribution to the Jewish community in Israel and around the world.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 and is filed under opinion.