Adolf Shayevich

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Adolf Shayevitch (born 1938) is one of two completing claimants to the title of Chief Rabbi of Russia.^[1] He had formerly been the head of the central Moscow Choral Synagogue, and as Chief Rabbi of Moscow. Shayevitch was appointed chief rabbi by the non-Chabad Russian Jewish Congress, and Rabbi Berel Lazar is the other contender for the title.^[2]

In June 2000 as dispute between Lazar and Shayevich escalated after Chabad requested that Shayeivch resign his post. At the time there were suggestions of Kremlin involvement in the dispute.^[3]

Putin has shunned Shayevitch, not inviting him to any state events or giving him any posts. Lazar on the other hand is a close associate of Putin, has received a number of important official positions and has been showered with medals by the Putin government. Shayevich's closeness to Vladimir Goussinsky, the head of the Russian Jewish Congress is thought to be the cause of his isolation. After Goussinsky supported Putin's rivals for President in 1999, Putin immediately brought Lazar into his circle on becoming president.

In 1987 he was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship of Peoples.^[4]

[edit] Citations

1. ^ Israelis in Moscow: A Bit of Banter, and Prayers, New York Times, July 30, 1988
2. ^ Russian Jewry split over election of Chief Rabbi, BBC, Jun 13, 2000
3. ^ Red flags go up, then come down, in Russian rabbi flap, Michael J, Jordan, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, June 9, 2000
4. ^ Warmth and Suspicion for Cantor and Rabbi From Soviet Union, New York Times, February 3, 1988