David Lau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids David Baruch Lau |
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| Religion | Judaism |
| Denomination | Orthodox |
| Personal | |
| Nationality | Israeli |
| Born | David Baruch Lau 13 January 1966 Tel Aviv, Israel |
| Parents | Yisrael (Israel) Meir Lau |
| Senior posting | |
| Title | Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel |
| Predecessor | Yona Metzger |
| Successor | Kalman Ber |
| Began | 2013 |
| Ended | June 30, 2024 |
| Other | Chief Rabbi of Shoham Chief Rabbi of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut |
| Residence | Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut |
David Baruch Lau (Hebrew: דוד לאו; born January 13, 1966) is an Israeli rabbi. He served as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel from 2013 to 2024. Before this important role, he was the Chief Rabbi of Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut and Shoham, two cities in Israel. David Lau is the son of Yisrael Meir Lau, who was also an Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel.
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About Rabbi David Lau
David Baruch Lau was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. His father, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, also served as the Chief Rabbi of Israel. His mother, Chaya Ita, was the daughter of Rabbi Yitzchak Yedidya Frankel, a well-known rabbi in Tel Aviv.
Early Life and Education
When he was young, David was part of the Ezra youth movement in Tel Aviv. He studied at several important Jewish schools called yeshivas. These included Yeshivat HaYishuv HeHadash, Beit Matityau Yeshiva, and Ponevezh Yeshiva.
He also served in the Israeli army (IDF). He was part of the Military Rabbinate, which provides religious services to soldiers. He completed his service with the rank of major.
Becoming a Rabbi
Rabbi Lau was the first rabbi of the town of Shoham. Later, when the city of Modi'in was built, he was chosen as its Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi. He worked alongside the Sephardi Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Alharar. Together, they started Torah classes in the city. These classes taught about Jewish laws like kashrut (kosher food), eruvim (areas where certain actions are allowed on Shabbat), and Jewish weddings.
Rabbi Lau is also a reserve major in the Israeli army. He served in the chaplaincy of the Intelligence Corps.
Teaching and Media
Rabbi Lau was one of the first rabbis in Israel to teach about responsa (answers to Jewish legal questions) online. He has also hosted programs on different media platforms. These programs covered topics like the weekly Torah portion and answers to halakhic (Jewish law) questions.
Chief Rabbi of Israel
On July 24, 2013, David Lau was elected as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel. He was 47 years old at the time, making him the youngest person ever to be chosen for this important position. His official inauguration ceremony took place on August 14, 2013, at the home of the President of Israel.
During the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Rabbi Lau advised people not to touch or kiss mezuzot (small scrolls on doorframes). This was to help prevent the virus from spreading further.
In 2024, Rabbi Lau finished his term as Chief Rabbi. On October 31, 2024, Rabbi Kalman Ber was appointed to take his place as the Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel.
Published Works
Rabbi Lau has written articles for journals like Tehumin. He also helped edit a book of his father's responsa called Yichil Yisrael. In 2008, he published his own book, Maskil LeDavid. This book discusses topics like family history, converting to Judaism, and military law.
See also
In Spanish: David Lau para niños
