Shlomo Moshe Amar (Hebrew: שלמה משה עמאר; born 1948) is a prominent Israeli Sephardic rabbi who served as one of the two Rishon LeZion (Sephardic Chief Rabbis of Israel) from 2003 to 2013. Since 2014, he has served as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem.
Biography
Amar was born in Casablanca, Morocco, in 1948. His family made aliyah to Israel when he was a child, settling in Pardes Katz, a neighborhood of Bnei Brak. He studied in various yeshivas, including Porat Yosef in Jerusalem, known for its emphasis on Sephardic halakha.
His rabbinic career began in the early 1980s when he was appointed a dayan (rabbinic judge) in the rabbinical court system. He gained a reputation for his deep knowledge of Halakha (Jewish law) and his ability to issue practical rulings. In 1993, he was appointed Chief Rabbi of Petah Tikva, a position he held until his election as Chief Rabbi of Israel.
Rishon LeZion (Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel)
In 2003, Rabbi Amar was elected as the Rishon LeZion, the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, alongside Rabbi Yona Metzger, the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi. During his ten-year tenure, Rabbi Amar focused on strengthening the rabbinical courts, resolving complex halakhic issues, and addressing various social and religious challenges facing the Israeli public. He worked to bridge gaps between different religious and secular segments of society and often intervened in matters of religious conversion, kashrut, and marriage. His period in office saw several significant halakhic discussions, particularly concerning the status of Ethiopian Jews and issues related to divorce.
Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem
In 2014, after his term as Rishon LeZion concluded, Rabbi Amar was elected as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, a prestigious position overseeing religious services, kashrut, and rabbinical courts in the capital city. He continues to serve in this capacity, acting as a leading halakhic authority for the Sephardic community in Israel and beyond.
Halakhic Approach and Views
Rabbi Amar is known for his moderate halakhic approach, often seeking pragmatic solutions within the framework of Jewish law. He is recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of Sephardic responsa and his ability to connect with various communities. He has authored several halakhic works and responsa that are widely studied and cited. While generally considered traditional, he has at times shown leniency on certain issues where he deems it appropriate, leading to both praise and occasional criticism from more stringent circles.
Works
Among his notable works are collections of responsa and halakhic rulings, including:
- She'elot Uteshuvot Shama Shlomo (Responsa "Shama Shlomo") - volumes covering a wide range of halakhic topics.
- Various articles and essays on Jewish law and tradition.