Renowned Moroccan Rabbi Yosef Wazana Passes Away in Netanya
The community of Kiryat Sanz, and Netanya at large, is mourning the recent passing of Rabbi Yosef Wazana, a revered figure known for his piety and dedication. Rabbi Wazana was the great-grandson of the famous Moroccan tzadik (righteous man), Rabbi Abraham Wazana, who is known for a story involving riding a lion. His father, Rabbi Shaul Wazana, was also a notable tzadik who passed away at the age of 102.
Rabbi Yosef Wazana was described as a simple and pure tzadik who served God with devotion. He was a pillar of the Sephardic synagogue "Beit Yehuda" in Kiryat Sanz and the adjacent "Or HaChaim" synagogue. For the past two decades, he made a point of attending a weekly prayer service at a friend's home, ensuring the use of kosher electricity. He was a well-loved and respected personality in Netanya and Kiryat Sanz, appreciated by both Hasidic and Sephardic communities.
He was known for his diligent study of Torah, frequenting synagogues and study halls, and always speaking words of Torah and divine fear. On Shabbat and holidays, he would wear all white, appearing as a radiant figure in the neighborhood. He was also active in promoting kosher standards in Netanya, walking from store to store to inspect and encourage adherence to kashrut laws, often seen with an open book and reciting Torah verses.
His friend, Rabbi Chaim Levi, shared that for 35 years, Rabbi Wazana was meticulous about visiting a ritual bath every morning, even when ill, and was always among the first at the synagogue. He also engaged in extensive recitation of Psalms. His funeral was held late last night with hundreds in attendance, including many rabbis and scholars. The procession departed from his home and proceeded to the "Vatikim" cemetery in Netanya.
Notably, the Rebbe of Sanz-Klausenburg, who was recently visiting Israel, happened to be at the "Vatikim" cemetery to visit his father's grave before returning to the United States. He encountered Rabbi Wazana's funeral procession and joined it briefly. Rabbi Wazana's sons are observing the traditional seven-day mourning period at their home in Kiryat Sanz, Netanya, until the eve of Rosh Hashanah.
