Opinion
We have much to thank Dayan Ehrentreu for
His increasing of Kashrus observance and his victory in the bruising battle to establish the first Eruv in London will define his legacy
November 29, 2022 10:38
2 min read
His increasing of Kashrus observance and his victory in the bruising battle to establish the first Eruv in London will define his legacy
November 29, 2022 10:38I first met the Dayan in the 1970s as a student in Manchester. His home was open and students flocked there for his wisdom and the Rebbetzehn’s legendary hospitality.
However, it was the 1980s when our relationship became professional and very personal.
The Dayan had just been appointed as the Rosh Beis Din in London. Chief Rabbi Jakobovits sent me as the Executive Director at the Office of the Chief Rabbi to Manchester to discuss the details. There began a relationship that ran for over 40 years.
When news that Dayan Ehrentreu was coming to London leaked out, the reaction, as usual, was divided. There was the camp who were beyond excited that the foremost Halachic authority in Europe was to head up the London Beis Din. However, there were those who were frightened for exactly the same reason. Was the comfort of their Yiddishkeit about to be shaken rightwards?
There was a third camp too. Those who thought that the Chief Rabbi has taken leave of his senses. It was left to me to brief the Chief Rabbi. I will never forget his reaction to my reporting of the third group. I explained that some amongst the United Synagogue Rabbinate as well as its lay leadership were concerned that such a towering figure as Dayan Ehrentreu would overshadow the Chief Rabbi and cause tension. “We will all bask in the reflection of his glory” said HaRav Jakobovits.
Bask we have done. The Dayan’s achievements have been immense. His increasing of Kashrus observance in London and above all his victory in the bruising battle to establish the first Eruv in London will define his contribution.
Many will opine on his legacy and his leadership across Europe in the Halacha of Shechita, Milah, Geirus and Kashrus. Many should thank him for so much. Increased Shabbos observance – down to him. The booming kosher wine business in Europe – down to him. The expansion of Kosher restaurants in London – down to him. The pre-eminence of the London Beis Din – down to him. The list goes on.
But as they say, “someone should,” so I will pay tribute to his kindness, his gentle spirit, his patience, his availability, his wisdom, his sense of humour and his indefatigable energy. Through my work with the Conference of European Rabbis and with the Dayan as the Av Beis Din of Europe, I have travelled throughout Europe with him.
I always marvelled at his insistence on walking everywhere and, until recently, his speed. I remember fondly him leading singing “Y’vonim Nikbutzu Olei” in sight of the Acropolis in Athens. I remember sharing in the ceremony in Berlin when the German Foreign Minister awarded him the German equivalent of a knighthood in recognition of his leadership in rebuilding the community in that newly united city. I also remember with great amusement his arrival at my house clutching two teddy bears soon after our twins were born, and his attendance at all our family simchas. I will also dine out forever on the story of when he and I popped into McDonald’s! It was a long drive from Warsaw to Rzeszow, nearly 400 kilometers over five hours, even men of my age can’t go five hours without a “comfort break”!
I will miss his smile and his warmth and will never forget his greatness. May his memory be for a blessing.