Rav Ovadia Yosef, Zt”L

- Yaakov Astor Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt”l

y son currently learning in Eretz harangue of what the Rav represented. In Yisrael called and told us what it reality, these are less a criticism of Rabbi Mwas like to be among the throngs Yosef’s rulings and opinions – which none of of mourners at the levaya of Maran HaRav these writers are equipped to really evalu- Chaim Ovadia Yosef, zt”l. He was engulfed in a sea of people, and at one point it was liter- an example of them using the funeral to vent ally like a churning sea: he was fearful that theirate from hatreds a scholarly and fears perspective—and of the religious camp. more the powerful currents beyond his control For instance, one journalist wrote: “Even pushing him here and pulling him there more famously, he blamed the deaths of were going to swamp him. Jews during the Holocaust on the spiritual

crowd, but they seem to range from 700,000 misunderstood and twisted the truth! to aIt million is hard (one to of put the an leading official anti-religious, number on deficienciesWhen asked of their by ancestors.”a media My,person how heto Israeli papers put the number at 500,000; comment of what Rav Ovadia really said, still an overwhelming amount). Whatever Rabbi Berel Wein explained, “…anyone who the exact count, police spokesman Micky has any familiarity with traditional Jewish Rosenfeld (who was early on quoted as thought, Kabbalah, Chassidic teachings and saying 700,000) called it “the largest funeral the wealth of Jewish folk tales knows that ever in Israel.” reincarnation, expiation of previous-life Within hours of the gadol’s passing, even sins, and the nature of the exposition of secular and non-Jewish media outlets the hidden G-dly reasons for inexplicable human world over were reporting his death… and tragedy, was not shocked by what Chacham sharing their opinions of his life. Perusing Ovadia said. Nothing in his words contained these articles, it is remarkable how often any calumny or insult to the innocent Jewish they got it wrong. After the initial, often victims of the Holocaust. Rather, he was seemingly perfunctory accolades, many of searching for a way to comfort Israel. Anyone these writers launched into an unabashed who knows Chacham Ovadia, even cursorily,

36 | ZMAN • October 2013 ZMAN • Cheshvan 5773 | 37 knows that he mourns for the victims of the put it, “he ushered in a new era of a return to that Rav Ovadia did not address…. And anyone Holocaust no less than the administrators of Sephardic roots, and a renewed commitment who is not well-versed in Torah literature in the Holocaust museums and organizations general, and the halachic realm in particular, worldwide.” heritage and legacy of Sephardic Jewry….” cannot truly appreciate Rav Ovadia.” This was but one example. It represents to He the accomplished magnificent, this millennia-old in part through spiritual his a common underlying accusation – whether lead one to think that his genius lay in his explicit or implicit – in many of the secular staggers the mind. He composed 58 halachic breadthAlthough of knowledge, such prolific his ability output to analyze might writers who levied criticism at the Rav and works,prolific all pen. of Thewhich sheer are standard volume of texts his worksin the and penetrate to the core of a given topic halachic decision-making. is also part of his legacy. Furthermore, his mean spirit and lack of concern for others. As one writer put it: “There is almost no prodigious pen did not prevent him from Nothinghis teachings: could be that further they reflect from the a vindictive, truth. field of practicalhalachic work published over the training thousands of accomplished halachic Yehuda Azoulay, a talmid, has been work- past 30 years that does not relate, in one way scholars, untold numbers of who serve as ing on a comprehensive biography of Rav orsignificant another, to Rav Ovadia's halachic rulings. rabbis, writers and educators in Israel and Ovadia Yosef. He describes him like this: Chacham Yosef learned day and night, even when halachic realm around the world. he had to remain in the hospital due to his illness. [A]dmired by Jews of all backgrounds, not the image the secular media conveyed. There is almost no significant observant and non-observant… Rabbi Yosef Of course, in his compassion for each and Although it is impossible to capture even in a voluminous biography, was a remarkable blend of scholarly genius every Jew he did not shy away from being a and certainly in an article, the life of Rav Ovadia Yosef, here is a brief and basic human sensitivity, boldness and timeline of some major events (taken in great part from David Azoulay): humility, courage and compassion…. encyclopedic Torah knowledge and clarity of [P]erhaps the most significant quality thoughtstrong leader made him trying fearless to guide in his his convictions flock. His 1920—Born on 12 Tishrei (September 23) married. Throughout her life, Rabbanit that has made Rabbi Ovadia Yosef such an and tireless his pursuit of the truth. He was in Baghdad, Iraq. Margalit Yosef is known for her wholeheart- esteemed and beloved leader is his remark- ed devotion to her husband and for lending able ability to relate and connect to the tradition. Even as a young rabbi while he was 1924—Family moved to Yerushalayim. him the support he needed to become a masses. Already during his years in yeshiva, ina staunch Egypt before and unflinching 1948, he fought defender relentlessly of Torah His father, Chacham Yaakob, and his mother Torah giant. he stood out not only as an exemplary against Jewish leaders who disregarded Georgia (Yaffa), were known for their dedi- student, but also as a gifted educator. Just halachah. cation to Torah and to their eight children, 1947—The couple moved to Egypt, where as he is unparalleled in his caliber of schol- Outsiders saw this strength as intol- of whom Rabbi Ovadia Yosef was the oldest. Rabbi Yosef served as Deputy Chief Rabbi and arship, he is similarly unparalleled in his erance. They failed to acknowledge or 1920s—As a young boy, he was educated at head of the Rabbinical court, until eventually ability to inspire ordinary laymen. For many realize that tolerance is not the same as lack- the Benei Sion School in Jerusalem’s Buchar- assuming the position of Chief Rabbi of Cairo. years, he has delivered weekly lectures on ing convictions. A person without convictions ian neighborhood, and was recognized as a 1950—After three years in Egypt, he Saturday night combining Torah wisdom, child prodigy. returned with his wife and children to Israel stories and humor, appealing to Jews of behavior. Tolerance means having convic- 1930—He transferred to Yeshivat Porat and was appointed judge in the Bet Din of all different levels. These sermons were tions,finds itbut easy knowing to tolerate when otherwise to speak outintolerable against Yosef, where he earned a reputation for Petah Tikva. By this time, Rabbi Yosef had recorded via radio, TV, Internet and were violations of them. Only someone from Rav unmatched diligence, quick comprehension halachic broadcasted around the world, in Montreal, Yosef’s perch, as a leader, can know when and a phenomenal memory. He studied works. New York, Los Angeles, London, France, the generation needs mussar and when the already authored five scholarly Djerba, Tunisia and even Tehran. situation requires silence. A gadol’s greatness under the tutelage of the famed Rosh Yeshiva 1954—Founded Or HaTorah Yeshiva for gifted is that when it comes time to give mussar he of Porat Yosef, Chacham Ezra Attiah, zt”l. Sephardic talmidim Therefore, before embarking on any gives it, even if that makes him unpopular. 1937—When he was 17, he composed a many which he established, later with the help biographical details about Rav Ovadia Yosef’s Rav Ovadia Yosef was fearless when it came short pamphlet consisting of several pages of his sons, in order. This to facilitate yeshiva wasTorah the chinuch first of - to expressing his convictions – the Torah’s of intricate halachic discussion, the kernel for Sephardim and establish the leadership of stand that the numbers at his funeral do not convictions as he saw them. Yet, none of that of what would ultimately become his monu- the community for future generations. lie.life, Heit is was crucial loved first by and the foremostmasses – to and under not detracted one iota from his love of people. mental 10-volume work Yabia Omer. 1960—Appointed as a judge in Jerusalem’s only for his genius, but for his compassion; To the contrary, his expression of an opinion 1939—Received smichah. Bet Din HaGadol. he cared deeply for was a result of his love for the Jewish people. Named Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Tel people. This is 1943—Appointed as a dayan. 1968— From an historic, biographical point of 1944—Met Margalit Phatal, the daughter Aviv. view, the most important• • • thing to know about of Chacham Avraham Phatal, a distinguished 1972—Appointed Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Rav Ovadia Yosef was that, as Yehuda Azoulay scholar from Aleppo, Syria, and the two are the State of Israel.

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