Adolf Shayevich

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Adolf Shayevitch (born 1938) is one of two competing claimants to the title of Chief Rabbi of Russia[1]. Despite his claims to the position, Adolf Shayevitch is not recognized by the Russian government as the leader of Russian Jewry[2].

Shayevich was raised in Birobidzhan, and studied at a Jewish seminary in Budapest, where he met his wife. 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 Russian Jewish Congress, and Rabbi Berel Lazar is the officially recognized Chief Rabbi of Russia by the Russian government.[3]

In June 2000 the dispute between Lazar and Shayevich escalated after Chabad requested that Shayeivch resign his claim to the post. When Lazar was named by the Kremlin to a high-profile governmental advisory panel that includes leaders of all religions officially recognized by the Russian government the Kremlin demonstrated that it officially recognized Lazar as the religious leader of the Russian Jewish community, replacing congress’s Adolf Shayevich, who until then had occupied the post.[2]

The Russian Geoverment has not invited Shayevich to any state events or giving him any posts. Lazar on the other hand as the Kremlin recognized Chief Rabbi of Russia, has received a number of important official positions and has been showered with medals by the Russian government. Shayevich's closeness to Vladimir Gusinsky, 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 Shayevitch 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. ^ a b Kremlin ruffles Jewish feathers in Lubavitch rabbi appointment
  3. ^ Russian Jewry split over election of Chief Rabbi, BBC, Jun 13, 2000
  4. ^ Warmth and Suspicion for Cantor and Rabbi From Soviet Union, New York Times, February 3, 1988


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