Prominent Rabbi Chaim Harari, Founder of Ateret Moshe Kollel, Dies at 82

Thousands attended the funeral of Rabbi Chaim Harari, a prominent Torah scholar and founder of the Ateret Moshe kollel, who passed away on Friday at the age of 82. Rabbi Harari, born in Argentina to Rabbi Moshe and Teresah Rachel, immigrated to Israel and studied at the Porat Yosef Yeshiva in Jerusalem under Rabbis Shimon Badaani and Shalom Cohen. He was deeply connected to them throughout his life.

Following his marriage, Rabbi Harari was sent by Rabbi Badaani on an educational mission to Mexico for about a year and a half before returning to Israel to raise his children. He served as a lecturer in several yeshivas, including Magen HaYeled, Tiferet Moshe, and Daroma, and was known as a beloved teacher. For many years, he also led prayers during the High Holidays at his synagogue.

Rabbi Harari was also close to Rabbi Shach, a leading figure in the Lithuanian-Haredi community, who praised his character and Torah knowledge. Approximately 40 years ago, he co-founded the Avat organization, dedicated to Sephardic Torah scholars, and simultaneously devoted himself to writing numerous books on Talmud, Halakha, and Aggadah.

Around four decades ago, he established the Ateret Moshe kollel, which expanded to multiple branches over the years. After his health declined over the past month and a half, he passed away on Friday. His funeral procession began at his synagogue on Malachi Street in Bnei Brak, and he was laid to rest in the Ponevezh cemetery in the city.

Prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Masoud Ben Shimon, the Chief Rabbi of Bnei Brak, Rabbi Nissim Ben Shimon, his study partner of four decades Rabbi Yitzchak Avitbol, and his brothers-in-law and family members, eulogized him. He is survived by his sons, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue his legacy.