Former Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Aryeh Stern Dies at 81

Former Jerusalem chief rabbi Aryeh Stern died at the age of 81, the Religious Services Ministry and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion said on Thursday. The announcement of his death prompted immediate tributes from Israeli leaders who highlighted his role as a unifying spiritual figure.

Religious Service Minister Yariv Levin stated that the Jewish religious leadership had lost one of its pillars with the passing of Stern.

"Rabbi Stern was a figure of unity, a spiritual leader who was able to unite all parts of the people out of true love and uncompromising commitment to Jewish law and tradition," Levin said. " Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion stated that the city had been blessed by having a man as righteous and noble as Stern.

"Rabbi Aryeh Stern led Jerusalem with his actions, humility, and rulings, leaving a deep mark on the spiritual life of the capital," Lion said.

Former Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat stated that he was privileged to lead Stern's election to the position of chief rabbi. "The Rabbi who was a man of Jerusalem, a man of connections and Torah that united all the public in Jerusalem," Barkat said. Stern served as Jerusalem chief rabbi from 2014 to 2019.

He added: “To head the Jerusalem Rabbinate is a great privilege, but it also carries with it a heavy responsibility. ” During his tenure as chief rabbi, Aryeh Stern attempted to reform kosher supervision in Jerusalem. He contributed to the Halacha Brura and founded the Birur Halacha institute.

Stern worked to preserve the legacy of religious Zionism as a student of Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Cook. Stern was married to Rebbetzin Miriam Stern and had seven children. He served as the leader of Congregation Har Horev.