Tax Authorities versus Rabbis

B"H

Israeli tax authorities are preparing for an attack on Rabbis who, for many years, have been receiving donations and other financial gifts from their communities or visitors. In particular "Kabbalists" and Rabbis taking any kind of money blessings; even for weddings or Bar Mitzvahs.


One of the most negative examples of such Rabbis is the Breslover Baal Teshuva Rabbi Eliezer Berland. Whoever wants to meet him, has to pay 1000 Dollar in Cash. If you don't have any money, don't even try meeting him, as you are being turned away. Only money makes the world go around !

Rabbi Berland has never been accepted by the original Breslover movement located in Mea Shearim and thus, founded his own Baal Teshuva institute. His only receiving people paying 1000 Dollar has been causing a big controversy even among his students. I heard that some kind of riots took place and that a private security company is now protecting the Rabbi.

A further cash cow is the Yemenite Baal Teshuva Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak. As a Rabbi, he doesn't necessarily play a role in the Israeli rabbinic world. Some time ago he discovered that there is plenty of money to make abroad. He began traveling and giving his lectures. One of my German speaking readers let me know that after a lecture in her / his country, Amnon Yitzchak would only give out blessings for money. Another famous self – appointed Kabbalist accepting money is Rabbi Yaakov Ifergan from Netivot.


Left: Amnon Yitzchak


Just recently, people from the tax office went to a certain Rabbi and asking him for a blessing but first, the Rabbi wanted 500 Shekels (approx. 120 Dollar) cash. He was quite surprised when those visitors identified themselves as employees from the tax office.

Rabbis are allowed to take money in order to support themselves. However, demanding 1000 Dollar as Rabbi Berland does, is totally out of place. Can you imagine how much money have Rabbis been receiving over the years ? Everything for their own pocket although their followers claim that most of it is for the Mosdot. This may be true but what about those Rabbis driving around in Jaguars or other posh cars ? Flying first class and staying at luxury hotels ?

I support the initiative of the tax authorities because the whole donation issue is getting out of control. By the way, what is it today anyway ? Donations or even bribery (in some cases) ? Can a person from the outside buy the Rabbi and influence the entire movement (chassidic group or community) ?

Every tax office in the world should do the same, as Rabbis from everywhere receive money without making an official claim ! Also those ones living in Israel but lecturing abroad.