mentalblog.com comments:
First, the entire brief article:
TBILISI, Georgia - During the eight-day long holiday of Chanukah, an extraordinary event occurred at the headquarters of the Head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, where Ilia II welcomed Rabbi Abraham Mikhaelashvili, the Chief Rabbi of Georgia and Chabad Lubavitch representative.There was no bracha recited here. It was during the day. And the menorah was presented as a gift to the Patriarch, who lit it himself. It was not a Jewish menorah-lighting ceremony for Jews.
The Christian Orthodox leader extended congratulations to the Jewish people on Chanukah and lit the candles of a Menorah, presented to him as a gift by Rabbi Mikhaelashvili. The two religious leaders then joined one another in singing the first psalm - the Patriarch singing in Georgian and the Chief Rabbi singing in Hebrew.
At this festive meeting, the parties discussed issues concerning the freedom of worship in Georgia. Ilia II and Rabbi Mikhaelashvili emphasized that the traditional religions of Georgia were notable for their mutual respect and goodwill, which, in turn, has assisted in maintaining mutual understanding and peace in the region.
The Georgian religious leader added that brotherly relations between the two peoples have resulted in a positive influence on relations between the two countries - Israel and Georgia. The Patriarch noted that Georgian Jews preserve the Georgian language and Georgian traditions when they return to their historical homeland. He also supported the initiative recently expressed by Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili to provide Georgian Jews, who have immigrated to Israel, with dual citizenship.
As you know, I'm not shy about criticizing Chabad, but what wrong took place here?
Unless Marvin Schick, et al, hold that any friendly contact with non-Jewish religious leaders is somehow forbidden. But fair warning: You are writing many Rishonim and Achronim out of Judaism by doing so.
Perhaps there was nothing wrong i the strict Halacho sense, but is this what Chassiduth is all about.
Traditionally Chassidim stayed away from the daled amos of a galech.
In general this is another example of the insatiable need by Chabad for publicity.
By the way since when is this guy chief rabbi I thought R. Ariel Levine held the title.
I am inclined to agree with Shneur.
Contact with non-Jewish clergy, by official organs of the Jewish community, were generally kept to a minimum, exactly as much as necessary to keep the peace. This was not an informal visit at home, this was as close to an "interfaith" meeting as I ever hope to see among religious Jews.
What need was there for it here? Was there any incitement being provoked on the part of the Church that necessitated a meeting to do something about it? Any other pressing issue that would demand support from the church? Education funding for religious schools, as is being fought now in several states and provinces, that would demand a unified front?
Has anyone here read Confrontation? Its author is not exactly known as a religious extremist.
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