BULAWAYO senior magistrate Sibongile Msipa yesterday fined fugitive Israeli Orthodox Jewish rabbi and rosh yeshiva affiliated with the Breslov Hasidic movement Eliezar Berland (77) $200 or three months in jail following his conviction on Tuesday for overstaying in Zimbabwe.
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A rabbi is a Torah scholar (one well versed with Jewish law) who guides members of the Jewish community he serves by relying on the Torah and Judaism for answers and guidance.
The designation of rabbi is given when one receives rabbinical ordination, earned by passing extensive examinations on the Torah and Talmud. They study for a number of years in a yeshiva, a Jewish institute of higher learning.
Berland, accused of sex crimes back home, appeared in court in remand prison khaki garb and looked frail and weak. Msipa also ordered that the rabbi be deported with immediate effect with a special guide.
Msipa said the court took into account his mitigation that he was a first offender who had overstayed in the country and has six children.
