'Even Putin Knows Our Strength Comes From the Mitzvot'

(photo: Caremi Ronen)

Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Shlit”a addressed a gathering of teachers from Israel’s largest conversion network, Ami – Yeshivat Bnei Akiva, on Monday to discuss what has become an increasingly politicized issue in Israel[. . . .]

“My father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, signed a letter affirming that without acceptance of the commandments, there is no conversion, and that a conversion should only be approved when it is clear that the convert intends to keep the commandments after the conversion.”

As an aside, Rabbi Yosef pointed out that even Russian President Vladimir Putin had reflected on the importance of Torah observance in preserving the Jewish people.

“Even Putin told me that he understands that the strength of the Jewish people comes from observance of the Torah and commandments.”

The Russian leader made similar statements in a meeting with Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, who told Rabbi Lazar that:

“The Jewish people survived [the exile] because of the commitment to true Judaism.”